31 Jan 2007

Fiji sevens coach says the side doesn't want to get into a diplomatic row

10:32 am on 31 January 2007

The Fijian sevens team says there is nothing between the players, despite a diplomatic rift between their country and the New Zealand Government.

The Government says it won't host the Fiji players at Parliament, so the start of Thursday's parade has been moved from Parliament, because of last year's Fiji coup.

Sports Minister Trevor Mallard says he won't attend Fiji's games at the tournament.

Fiji's coach, Waisale Serevi, says the players are just happy to be here.

"A lot of people are facing hard times in Fiji, and rugby sevens brings people together, but I think this is a good time for these 12 boys to put a smile back on all the people in Fiji, but I think it's a good question to ask the Minister of Sport in New Zealand, if New Zealand and Fiji play in the final will he still come and watch the final."