More problems for Fiji rugby

Fijian rugby has plunged deeper into a quagmire in the lead-up to their matches against the New Zealand Maori and the All Blacks.

The team's fitness trainer Vince Kelly resigned at the weekend, saying he couldn't do his job properly because of Fiji Rugby Union's financial difficulties.

The team's manager Derek Sampson, a former Auckland team manager, resigned for the same reason last week and coach Wayne Pivac almost followed suit a few days later.

However, former Auckland coach Pivac is holding on to his job after the Fijian government said it would support the union.

The government pledged $1.2 million to help the union to continue with its operation.

Kelly, an Australian, was replaced by a local today and Pivac managed to persuade former North Harbour manager Simon Poll to join him as the team's manager for the upcoming matches and their World Cup qualifying series.

Pivac named a 26-player squad for Fiji's match against the Maori side in Suva on Friday but he was still awaiting such players as British-based Rupeni Caucaunibuca and Crusaders' Vilimoni Delasau.

While he has some experienced players in the side, locks Ifereimi Rawaqa and Akuila Matanibukaca were injured and doubtful for Friday's match.

Huge prop Bill Cavubati, a former Wellington front rower, is in the squad.

Among the other experienced players they have are Mosese and Jacob Rauluni, both who played for the Queensland Reds a few years ago, Nicky Little, Sireli Bobo, Seremaia Bai and Norman Ligairi -- all who played their rugby in New Zealand in the recent years.

* The Fijian side to play the All Blacks at Albany on June 10:

Forwards: Jo Bale, Bill Cavubati, Bill Gadolo, Sunia Koto, Jone Railomo, Akuila Matanibukaca, Isoa Domolailai, Langi Peters, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Sam Tabua, Seva Rokobaro, Sisa Koyamaibole, Jone Qovu, Aca Ratuva.

Backs: Mosese Rauluni, Jacob Rauluni, Nicky Little, Jack Prasad, Seremaia Bai, Viliame Satala, Epeli Ruivadra, Rupeni Caucau, Sireli Bobo, Filimone Delasau, Norman Ligairi, Jo Tora.

- NZPA