Double World Cup blow for Fiji

Fiji will not have the services of Isa Nacewa or Jone Qova at the World Cup later this year as both players have chosen to stay home with their pregnant wives rather than travel to New Zealand.

Former Blues star Nacewa, who is currently playing for Leinster and is regarded as one of the most valuable players for the European Cup champions, recently capped off a very successful season with two tries for the British Barbarians in last week's win over Wales in Cardiff.

"My pregnant wife and my twin girls are my number one priority at the moment, however I wish the Fiji team and management all the best in the exciting year that follows and especially at the Rugby World Cup," Nacewa said, confirming his unavailability on the Fiji rugby website.

The dangerous fullback has just one Test cap for Fiji which he earned at the 2003 World Cup when he came on as a replacement. He sat out the last World Cup and now the exciting outside back will again be missing from the showpiece event.

Physical Racing Metro No.8 Qova cited similar reasons for his unavailability for the national team in New Zealand later this year.

"My wife is pregnant and my main focus now is looking after her. I am at ease with this decision as I know there are more than enough players around who can replace me," he told Fairfax media.

A diplomatic Fiji coach Sam Domoni took the double blow on the chin.

"Players, like Nacewa and Qovu, need to look after their young family's welfare and that's a priority for any player.

"The decision they've made is respected and we now need to move forward as a team with the players we have got," Domoni said.