[Source: Fiji Rugby]

A few national sevens players and management for the Malaga and Seville 7s in Spain had returned positive COVID results.

This is according to the Fiji Rugby Union.

This means our teams will not feature at the Malaga 7s that will kick off next Friday because of the mandatory seven days isolation.

FRU has released a statement confirming both the Fiji Airways Men’s and Women’s teams won’t be traveling to Spain tonight as planned.

This is after a few players and management had returned positive results as part of their 72 hours pre-departure compliance requirements tests.

FRU Chief Executive John O’Connor said as per traveling protocols both teams went through the COVID-19 PCR test and unfortunately a few results turned out positive.

“We also working with hosts and World Rugby, and seeing what’s the latest developments they’re quite supportive, if we are able to travel earlier on Tuesday or Wednesday, we discussing the option of participating in Malaga but at the moment it seems unlikely”.

O’Connor says the management and players who have tested positive are all well and are also asymptomatic but taking in consideration that the entire team are primary contacts and after discussions with the Ministry of Health and considering the safety and welfare of everyone, the entire teams have moved into the mandatory seven days isolation in their respective camps last night after results were received”.

FRU is working with the Ministry of Health to ensure compliance with the protocols and having the required testing to ensure everyone is cleared so they can return to train safely with the intention of participating in the Seville 7s the following week.

All the players and management had tested negative in the routine rapid antigen test and everyone involved is disappointed with the developments but the safety and welfare of everyone involved is always the priority according to O’Connor.

O’Connor adds this incident shows how unpredictable the current Omicron variant transmits even when the 7s teams are in a bubble.

It has also allowed FRU to review its COVID-19 protocols around pre-tournament requirements in Fiji such as camps, training and travel to allow for both teams to travel internationally and participate in the Sevens Series.

FRU is also reassuring the families that players are all well and thank them for their support.