Fiji Airways Fijian 7s skipper Kalione Nasoko has been ruled out of the Hong Kong and Singapore tournaments due to a persis­tent knee injury.

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber said Nasoko has not been able to recover in time for the Hong Kong and Singapore tournaments.

Nasoko has been a revelation in the leadership role for the Fijians this season, taking them to vic­tories in Cape Town and Hamilton.

However, he aggravated his knee at the Canada 7s and despite close monitoring by the medical team Nasoko has failed to reach the strength required to compete at arguably the circuit’s toughest tourna­ment.

In an ironic twist, the injury news comes the same time the FRU and Nasoko announced he has signed a two-year contract with PRO 14 outfit Ed­inburgh.

FRU chief executive John O’Connor said Nasoko worked closely with them to pursue an overseas contract with the Scotland club.

“Nasoko has been one of the hardest working members in the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side and has grown over the years since his debut in 2016,” O’Connor said.

Baber said he is excited for Nasoko who has had a fantastic season.

“Nasoko has been given an opportunity to go to Edinburgh and develop himself as a fifteens play­er.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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