Interim Fiji Bati coach says Civoniceva had declined his invitation to join camp

Vodafone Fiji Bati Interim coach, Matt Adamson has cleared the air and confirms that he had personally invited Petero Civoniceva to be part of the Fiji Bati camp this weekend.

Adamson says that he had personally wrote an email inviting Civoniceva into camp and invited him to attend every session and function.

Adamson adds that Civoniceva declined to attend as he said he was very busy with his business ventures.

The former Kangaroo had also arranged the whole squad to attend Civoniceva's awards night which was a decision made between him and captain Kevin Naiqama.

Meanwhile FNRL CEO Timoci Naleba says they have gone through a process on this decision.

Australian Media reported earlier this week that Civoniceva was “dumped” by FNRL but Naleba says there has been a lot of speculation from players on the removal of Civoniceva.

Bati captain Kevin Naiqama told the Sydney Morning Herald it was "disrespectful" to exclude Civoniceva from their week‑long camp.

Naiqama said Civoniceva who is behind a push for a Fijian team to be included in the NSW Cup, learned of his dumping for the Pacific Test on social media.

He says he was devastated about this and says that Civoniceva is great to have around with his leadership and energy and all the forwards look up to him.

The Fiji Bati will take on the PNG Kumuls at 6pm tomorrow while the Toa Samoa will take on the Mate Ma’a Tonga at 9.10pm.