KEY POINTS:
Regular captain Alifereti Doviverata and winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca have been left out of Fiji's preliminary squad for this year's rugby World Cup in France.
Doviverata captained Fiji at the 2003 World Cup and during this year's Pacific Nations Cup but was overlooked for the 30-man squad, made up of 17 forwards and 13 backs.
He did earn a place on a 15-man pool of back-up players but there was no spot for Caucaunibuca, who is currently serving a doping ban.
The France-based winger is Fiji's best-known player after thrilling the crowds at the last World Cup with his destructive running, but has made only a handful of appearances for his country since.
In 2005, he was banned from representing Fiji for a year after failing to show up at the World Cup qualifiers, but made a return appearance when his suspension was finished.
Caucaunibuca is currently serving a three-month ban after testing positive for marijuana, but his sentence had been backdated to allow him to be available for Fiji's second World Cup match.
The Fijian Rugby Union is still trying to ascertain whether Caucaunibuca can be selected while he is serving the ban. A decision is expected before the final squad is submitted for the tournament.
Fiji coach Ili Tabua is yet to decide on his new skipper. Fiji are drawn in World Cup Group B along with Australia, Wales, Canada and Japan.
Squad:
Forwards - Graham Dewes, Alefoso Yalayalatabua, Sunia Koto, Vereniki Sauturaga, Jone Railomo, Henry Qiodravu, Bill Gadolo, Iferemi Rawaqa, Kele Leawere, Isoa Domolailai, Wame Lewaravu, Jone Qovu, Netani Talei, Semisi Naevo, Sisa Koyamaibole, Aca Ratuva, Akapusi Qera.
Backs - Jone Dunivucu, Mosese Rauluni, Nicky Little, Waisea Luveniyali, Seremaia Bai, Seru Rabeni, Kameli Ratuvou, Maleli Kunavore, Vilimone Delasau, Isoa Neivua, Filimone Bolavucu, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Norman Ligairi.
- REUTERS
