Gloucester flanker Akapusi Qera has linked up with Fiji's national squad ahead of Saturday's international against England.
Qera has been in sparkling form for Gloucester in recent weeks and was named man of the match in the recent win over the Leicester Tigers.
The 28 year old, who has won 26 caps for his country and featured in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, had initially committed himself to Gloucester throughout the autumn period.
However, the Fijian squad has been affected by injuries as they prepare for their forthcoming tour matches, which includes a game against Gloucester at Kingsholm next Tuesday.
Gloucester's director of rugby Nigel Davies confirmed that Fiji have formally requested that Qera be released to join them.
"We received a request on Monday morning from the Fijian management requesting Akapusi's services as they have been hit by withdrawals in their build up," he said.
"Under the current IRB regulations in these circumstances, we can't actually prevent a player's release and we'll obviously miss him because he's been in great form for us.
"However, we are of the understanding that this is just for the one match. So, we look forward to him returning to the club very shortly and wish him well in the meantime."
Comments
Heathy says...
@ Ramage and Sanka69, you are both right as the club are obliged to release the player 'under certain circumstances'. However, he would not have been with the team through all their preparation and this is why players like him would be left out. They are only drafting him in in an emergency (although he would normally be selected anyway). I'm not arguing with you guys, only clarifying a point.
Posted 23:48 06th November 2012
sanka69 says...
@heathy I thought all clubs must release players for international duty in the IRB windows so that would not have precluded Qera being selected in the squad, just delayed his arrival with them a little, wouldn't it? Not complaining, as he has been ace again for us this season, especially with Hazells ban and deserves to play for his country.
Posted 17:13 06th November 2012
Ramage says...
@heathy you miss the point if Gloucester get a request from Fiji for Qera then as they say they are oliged to release him. Course they could use the French method and pay him extra and hope he will decline the Fiji request.
Posted 16:28 06th November 2012
heathy says...
@sanka69 - Qera would have been in the squad for Fiji. However, his contract with Gloucester has meant that he was unable to be picked due to his obligations with the club. This is one of Fiji's (and others) gripes as they are unable to select certain players due to where they play. It's the same with England picking players that play in France. However, as Gloucester only have the LV= Cup and no team will be fielding their international players, Gloucester have probably said that as a one off, it's okay and good on them.
Posted 12:15 06th November 2012
sanka69 says...
Should have been in the original squad but as Glos fan I was delighted he was staying.....been in brilliant form of late.
Posted 09:41 06th November 2012
melkdave says...
Not a surprise really he is a experianced class player,who causes alot of trouble for defences,just hope he desnt have a fantastic game against England lol.For the other games yeah hope he has a fantastic series lol .I know hypacritical of me ,but hey arnt we all at times lol
Posted 20:27 05th November 2012