Fiji Olympic chief calls for boycott

THE head of Fiji's Olympic Committee says the South Pacific nation should boycott this year's Rugby World Cup if sanctions imposed by New Zealand prevent it selecting its best team.

Vidhya Lakhan said that the International Rugby Board should consider moving Fiji's matches from New Zealand if sanctions are applied.

New Zealand has imposed travel sanctions on Fiji since a military coup in 2006. Members of the Fiji military and their families are barred from visiting New Zealand.

Fiji will name its initial 50-man squad for the World Cup on Friday and several players with military links are likely to be included.

Lakhan said: "If New Zealand does not allow the best Fiji selection to take part in the RWC, then IRB should reschedule Fiji's matches in another country.

"If IRB is not willing to do that, then Fiji should consider boycotting the RWC."

FIFA moved a World Cup qualifier between New Zealand and Fiji in 2009 when Fiji goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau was denied a visa.

The IRB has called on New Zealand to relax the sanctions but Prime Minister John Key has said his government will not.