Fiji Airways men’s 7s coach Gareth Baber has revealed key forward Mesulame Kunavula will not be joining Edinburgh this season and has returned to the Fiji Sevens squad ahead of the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

According to Rugbypass, the return of Kunavula is a boost for the Fiji squad although it does not signify an end to Edinburgh’s interest in the player who traveled to Scotland to discuss his visa requirements and a potential long term professional contract with the club where fellow Fijians Senitiki Nayola and Viliame Mata have impressed.

Baber says Kunavula has been with the training squad, as he came back from Edinburgh and joined camp straight away.

While Kunavula will be a key member of the squad as Fiji defend their Hong Kong title, Baber cannot call up in-form Amenoni Nasilasila for the remaining legs of the HSBC World Rugby Seven Series until there is outcome of the rape charge the player is facing and he is expected to return to court this week.

Nasilasila impressed at the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s along with veteran playmaker Livai Ikanikoda.

Meanwhile, Fiji is pooled with Australia, New Zealand, and Kenya.

Fiji meets Kenya at 11.37pm next Friday in its opening pool match, they will then play Australia at 5.13pm Saturday before taking on New Zealand at 8.55pm.

You can watch the entire tournament live on FBC TV.