All Blacks face fine if they select Fijian
December 6, 2001

The New Zealand Rugby Football Union faces a hefty fine if it fields Fijian Seru Rabeni in its IRB World Sevens Series squad next year, the Fiji Times reported.

The International Rugby Board warned that New Zealand would be fined STG100,000 ($A278,280.23) if it breached regulations restricting the movement of players.

New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has included Rabeni in his training squad.

The Times quoted Fiji Rugby Union board member Bob Challenor as saying that the IRB ruling was quite clear and specific on player eligibility.

"Rabeni can`t play for another country other than Fiji," Challenor said.

The Otago-based player was a member of the national sevens team last year. He played in all but one final against New Zealand in the IRB Series last year.

"I thought Gordon should have known better," Challenor said.

Tietjens was reported to be also interested in Northland-based Fijian flyer Rupeni Caucau.

Regulations attempt to ensure that players have a genuine, close, credible and established national link with the country of the union for which they have been selected, reported the Fiji Times.

Such a national link is essential to maintain the unique characteristics and culture of elite international sporting competitions between unions. The integrity of international matches depends on strict adherence to the eligibility set out in the regulations, it said. (AAP)

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