Injury Blow To Fiji 7s Team

Digicel Fiji 7's team prop forward Pio Tuwai is ruled out of the New Zealand 7's to kick-off in Wellington on Friday.

Tuwai was unable to train with the side in their last three training session forcing coach Iliesa Tanivula to send a SOS call to non travelling reserve William Rasileka to join the side tomorrow.

It has been confirmed by the team management that Tuwai complained about a back ache when the side touched down in Wellington yesterday and he will undergo another medical check in the weekend to confirm whether he will be part of the team to San Diego.

Manager Alifereti Malo said while Tuwai's services will be missed the rest of the players know how important for them to do well in Wellington.

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Fiji's opening pool game is against USA on Friday at 12.44pm.

Meanwhile, Earlier on today Samoan play-maker Uale Mai has been ruled out for the New Zealand 7's.

Uale Mai is expecting his wife to give birth this week and has made himself unavailable for Samoa.

Samoa is in the same Pool as Fiji and they will face each other on Friday night at 8.12pm.