The negotiations for the release of top Fijian rugby players playing in Europe for the Commonwealth Games has been labelled by Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach Gareth Baber as a “continuing battle”.
Speaking to Fijivillage, Baber says the biggest challenge he is facing as a coach in the build-up to the Commonwealth Games is the negotiations for the release of top sevens players in Europe.
Baber says the Commonwealth Games does not have an international window, therefore, the clubs are under no obligation to release the players based on the players' contracts.
The Commonwealth Games is different to the Olympics Games and the Sevens Rugby World Cup where there is an international release period for players.
The 26 member Commonwealth Games Fiji Men’s 7s squad which was released this week includes France based Leone Nakarawa, Josua Tuisova, Semi Kunatani, Semi Radradra and Peceli Nacebe.
But Baber says getting these players is not the battle that stands in front of Fiji and a Commonwealth Games Gold medal.
Meanwhile, Fiji will play Russia in their first pool match of the Las Vegas 7s at 12.06pm this Saturday and we take on France at 3.07pm, Fiji then play their final pool match against Kenya at 8.36am Sunday.
The Cup quarters start at 1.26pm this Sunday, the Cup semis will be held at 9.12am next Monday while the Cup final will kick off at 12.30pm Monday.
