A New Zealand-based halfback is camping with the Flying Fijians in Christchurch, New Zealand as a standby.

This was due to the strict COVID-19 regula­tions that had caused the late arrivals of the Australian-based players, which included halfbacks Frank Lomani and Moses Sorovi.

Last night, the players along with Teti Tela were still in Australia. It was earlier reported that they were leaving but it did not happen.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor confirmed yesterday to SUN­sports that the standby player had been train­ing with the squad.

The only halfback in the squad is Simione Kuruvoli.

“Apart from Kuruvoli, there were other play­ers who had being playing in the position dur­ing training,” O’Connor said.

It is understood that Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter wanted to check on the standby player before making any decision.

The Flying Fijians head into Dunedin at 6pm today.

Burly winger Nemani Nadolo said they have maintained in camp that the team belong to the country and its people.

“So when we come to camp to represent Fiji we are of the same level,” he said.

“We the senior players make the newcom­ers feel welcomed, get their trust and inform them of what we’ll go through.”

The Leicester Tigers veteran said they are excited with the role they are playing as the new players are opening up.

Nadolo also the highlighted that the current COVID-19 pandemic had tested them physi­cally and mentally as well.

‘We are all struggling with the pandemic and we understand the situation at home. For we’ve been away from our families and under­went quarantine to play for Fiji.”