There are revelations today that National 7s selectors had ranked Fiji Bitter Marist 7s player of the tournament, Seremaia Burotu as the number one choice prop for the Digicel Fiji 7s team for the World Cup later this month.
Fijivillage has been reliably informed that this decision was made based on Burotu's performance.
However Burotu has been dropped from the 21 member squad announced by coach, Alifereti Dere.
It has also been confirmed that Joeli Lutumailagi was ranked in the top three for the rover's position but he was also dropped by Dere.
Many are now calling on the Fiji Rugby Union to look into these matters as one of the selectors, Sailosi Naiteqe Senior has also stepped down saying that they were not consulted by Dere before he sent the 12 member team for the World Cup 7s to the IRB on Friday.
The 12 names sent to the IRB can only be changed if there are any serious injuries or personal matters.
This means outstanding players like Burotu and Lutumailagi can no longer be part of the team as they are not even in Dere's 21 member squad.
When questioned by Fijivillage today, Dere said he is the coach and has the final say on the selection.
He said no other player will be considered apart from the 21 he has announced.
We questioned Dere why Seremaia Burotu has been dropped although he was ranked as the first choice prop.
Fijivillage also questioned Dere how he rates Burotu's performance on Saturday where he scored the winning try for the Westfield Barbarians in the semifinal against Yamacia and then went on to set up tries and score one in the Cup Final against Wardens Gold.
Dere said in his book, Burotu is not good in defence.
When questioned on whether Dere made the decision to drop Burotu just based on one game, he said as head coach he made the analysis.
National 7s selector, Sailosi Naiteqe Senior said he has stepped down because Dere only pushed through his 21 member list.
Naiteqe confirmed that Burotu was in the selectors' list in their last meeting.
We have contacted FRU's High Performance Unit General Manager, Mike Ryan.
He has refused to make comments.
Fiji Rugby Union's Chairman, Filimoni Waqabaca has referred queries to FRU CEO, Manasa Baravilala.
Stay with us for developments.
Story by: Vijay Narayand and Aliki Bia
