Canada Sevens player Fred Asselin has decided to retire from the national Sevens program.

"I met with Fred and he has made it clear that he is stepping away from any further participation in our sevens program," said Sevens manager Rick Farrally. "I have said all along that the commitment required to play sevens in Canada is enormous and Fred has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in this game.

"He has represented Canada at the Rugby Sevens World Cup in Mar del Plata, Argentina, he's been to two Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, and in Manchester in 2002. He has been playing on the iRB circuit since it began four years ago and has electrified fans with his speed and performances in every tournament. His selection to the elite and famous Penguins Sevens Team is further testament of his profile in this game.

"You certainly don't get an invitation to play with the Penguins on a whim - it is an honor and a moment to treasure forever."

National Sevens Coach Ric Suggitt was extremely supportive of Fred's position and his announcement to retire from the hectic sevens schedule.

"We have lost a world class player who is the fastest man ever to play sevens for Canada in the modern game," indicated Suggitt. "You simply cannot replace that sort of experience or speed overnight, but I completely understand Freddy's position at this point in his career."

Asselin will now focus his energies on his XVs game as the Rugby World Cup approaches next October in Australia.

"His Sevens team-mates arrived home from New Zealand on Sunday night after sixteen days away and walked right back into Premiership rugby demands here in British Columbia. It's a lot of pressure and a lot of rugby without very much recovery time," said the manager.

"Certainly I will miss having Freddy around at the camps and on the circuit, but that's part of our business in elite sport. From time to time we have to say goodbye to our athletes; however, by stepping away Fred has passed on the challenge and an opportunity to a younger player to step forward and carry the flag, and that challenge must be answered," concluded the manager.