Affected national sevens players who have been in mandatory isolation since Friday following positive COVID results had been tested again this morning.

The players were to have departed on Saturday for the HSBC Malaga sevens in Spain this weekend,  January 21-23.

Fiji Rugby Chief Executive Officer John O’Connor confirmed yesterday that the players will be tested again this morning by Ministry of Health officials.

“All still in mandatory isolation and with MOH for further testing tomorrow (today),” O’Connor said yesterday.

Fiji is the second team to have pulled out of the Malaga leg. While New Zealand is being replaced by Germany in Pool B, there is still no word about Fiji’s replacement in Pool A where Fiji is pooled with South Africa, England and Scotland.

On Friday FRU had to hold back travel arrangements for both the Fiji Airways men’s and women’s teams to Spain for the Malaga 7s after a few players and management were tested positive.

“As per their 72 hours pre-departure compliance requirements both teams went through the COVID-19 PCR test, unfortunately a few results turned out positive,” he said on their press release on Friday.

“We are working with MOH to ensure compliance with the protocols and having the required testing to ensure everyone is cleared so we can return to train safely with the intention of participating in the Seville 7s the following week.”

Seville 7s kicks off on Friday, January 28 with the finals on Sunday.

Meanwhile World Rugby is assisting O’Connor and his team work with hosts Spain in terms of rescheduling flights and compliance with tournament requirements prior to the Fijian sides’ departure for Seville.

The remaining HBSC 7s meets this year include: men’s – Vancouver, February 26-27, Los Angeles March 5-6, Singapore April 9-10, Lanford  April 30-May 1, Toulouse May 20-22 and London May 28-29; women  – Lanford April 30-May 1 and Toulouse May 20-22.

Top 6 Standings:

Men – South Africa 44 points, Argentina 34pts, Australia 32pts, USA 30pts, Great Britain 25pts, Fiji 23pts; Women – Australia 40pts, Fiji 36pts, France 32pts, Russia 28pts, USA 20pts and Great Britain 15pts.