FIJIAN QUITS ARMY TO PLAY IN wORLD cUP

Lock Leone Nakarawa has resigned from the Fijian military to join the country’s 30-man World Cup squad.

The tournament, which begins on 9 September, is being held in New Zealand, which has banned those with ties to Fiji’s military or government from entering the country following the 2006 military coup in Fiji. Opposition politicians said Nakarawa’s move is a ruse and he is likely to be reinstated in the army when the World Cup ends.

Prop Deacon Manu will lead the squad which features 21 overseas-based players. Fiji open against Namibia in Rotorua on 10 September before facing holders South Africa, Samoa and Wales in Pool D. Fiji beat Wales at the 2007 World Cup to reach the quarter-finals where they lost to South Africa.

FIJI SQUAD

Deacon Manu (captain), Campese Ma’afu, Setefano Somoca, Waisea Daveta, Viliame Veikoso, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Sunia Koto, Sekonaia Kalou, Leone Nakarawa, Wame Lewaravu, Rupeni Nasiga, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Sisa Koyamaibole, Akapusi Qera, Netani Talei, Masi Matadigo, Malakai Ravulo, Nemia Ranuku, Vitori Buatava, Waisea Luveniyali, Seremaia Baikeinuku, Nicky Little, Albert Vulivuli, Gabirieli Lovobalavu, Ravai Fatiaki, Vereniki Goneva, Napolioni Nalaga, Michael Tagicakibau, Kini Murimurivalu, Iliesa Keresoni.