Fijian Sevens player denied visa

Grounded: Jone Kuruduadua won't be going to Hong Kong

Fiji have had to make a late change to their squad for the Hong Kong Sevens after one of their players was denied a transit visa for the journey.

Jone Kuruduadua, a wing for his club Suva City Eagles was chosen as a forward for the Sevens team, but will not be able to go to Hong Kong because the Australian High Commission in Suva refused to him a transit visa.

The Fijian side will travel through Sydney on its way to Hong Kong, for which a transit visa is required

32-year-old Kuruduadua overstayed his visa in Australia in 2000 and on this basis he was refused a the transit visa and also a visa to play in the Adelaide Sevens.

"I over-stayed in Australia while I visited my wife and child there in 2000. I was supposed to stay there for one year but returned home in 2002," he told the Fiji Times.

"It hurt when I was told by the team management that my visa through Aussie was not granted but like a man I've accepted it.

"I've trained and camped with these players and there's no doubt this is a very good team. I wish the players the best of luck in Hong Kong."

Epeli Vuniwaqa has been named as a replacement for Kuruduadua.