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Fiji Sevens captain's grovelling apology for 'error of judgement' but European move a step closer

By Chris Jones
Fiji Sevens captain Kalione Nasoko (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)

Fiji Sevens captain Kalione Nasoko, who has made a public apology for his arrest for drink driving, but it’s not stopped a top European club lining up him up.

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Nasoko is wanted by Glasgow Warriors and is expected to take part in a month’s trial alongside team mate Mesulame Kunavula in November.

Nasoko and Kunavalu are en-route with the troubled Fiji Sevens squad to North America for the Las Vegas and Vancouver legs of the HSBC World Seven Series with head coach Gareth Baber trying to ensure the players are not affected by speculation and controversy. Nasoko pleaded guilty to drink driving after being stopped by police and breathalysed and must return to court to hear the conclusion of his case at the end of March.

Before leaving Fiji, Nasoko made an emotional apology for his actions saying: “I’m thankful to our FRU CEO Mr O’Connor, Coach Mr Gareth Baber, for their support. I would like to humbly apologise to the people of Fiji for letting you down and representing Fiji is an honour. I made a mistake to drive my vehicle that morning and I acknowledge that error of judgment and I’m regretful for the decision I made. It is my hope that this occasion be a learning to me and to assure you a hundred percent clear before picking up your keys to drive. I never intended to cause damage or harm the reputation or the legacy of the white jersey. I’m truly sorry and I hope to earn back the trust from you all through my future behaviour. Thank you for your support and everything we do is to make Fiji proud.”

Now, Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive John O’Connor has, according to local media, confirmed FRU have received interest from Glasgow Warriors for the two players and they are likely to travel to Scotland in November for a month’s trail. The Pro 14 outfit has strong links with the Fijian rugby community which would make a move easier for the players. Kunavula is also interesting Bordeaux Begles who need cover at No8 for their Top 14 campaign.

Fiji, who won back to back Sevens legs in Cape Town and Hamilton, are in the same Las Vegas pool as Scotland, Wales and Australia.

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Bull Shark 1 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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