John McKee said it was unfortunate that Fijian 7s Olympian Savenaca Rawaca pulled out of a multi-year deal signed with Saracens Rugby Club in January.

And the Vodafone Flying Fijians head coach attributed this to timing, pressure and the need to prepare, educate local players to adapt to a new environment overseas.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall confirmed yesterday that Rawaca will not be joining Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup winners Saracens because of personal reasons.

The 25-year-old, who helped Fiji winning the sevens rugby gold medal at the Olympic Games last month, signed a “multi-year” contract with the Sarries in January.

“We are naturally disappointed Save has decided not to take up the offer,” McCall said.

“We felt he would have been a great addition, but we respect his decision.”

McKee said the Fiji Rugby Union place high priority on player welfare.

“It is unfortunate to see Savenaca Rawaca will not be taking up his contract with Saracens,”McKee said from Sydney yesterday.

“It shows the pressure these players can be under when deciding to move overseas away from their support network here in Fiji.

“The timing at this point in time is obviously not right for Save to make this move.

“The recent appointment of Gaylene Finekaso as FRU personal development manager has been a huge boost to our programme delivery in this area and in particular working with our upcoming players to help prepare them for life as professional rugby players, contracting and moving overseas.”

The Navatu, Bua native lit up the World Sevens Series circuit since he made his debut at the Gold Coast Sevens in 2014.

His blistering form, physical presence and aggressiveness caught the attention of McCall.

The last Fijian to play for the north Londoners club was fullback Kameli Ratuvou.

n Meanwhile, Fiji 7s Olympian Vatemo Ravouvou was sick and watched from the sideline as his Western Sydney Rams played Queensland Country at Concord Oval yesterday in the National Rugby Championship.

n Viliame Mata has arrived in Edinburgh and will train the Reivers next week to prepare for their match against Connacht in the Guinness Pro 12 competition on Friday with fellow Fijian Junior Rasolea.

Edited by Osea Bola

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