Emori Waqa has been removed from the Vodafone Fiji 7s squad for the Dubai and Cape Town 7s tournaments next month.

In a statement released a short while ago, national coach, Ben Ryan says it has been brought to attention that Waqa has previously represented Sri Lanka at 15’s and 7s and is therefore capped under World Rugby regulations for Sri Lanka.

The Fiji Rugby Union has sought an urgent ruling from the World Rugby Regulations Committee as to Waqa’s eligibility to play for Fiji and that process has commenced.

Given that proceedings will not be completed prior to the Dubai 7s, Ryan has opted to remove Waqa from the 14-member squad and Nadroga’s Alivereti Veitokani has been called up as replacement.

The Dubai 7s will kick-off next Friday.