Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan says Samisoni Viriviri will leave a big hole in the team next season.
The 26 year old was named IRB Sevens Player of the Year at a function in London yesterday.
The season's top try-scorer was also included in the World Series Dream Team.
The Nadroga fullback, who's been named in the Flying Fijians squad for next month's Pacific Nations Cup, will link up with French Top 14 club Montpellier later this year and Ben Ryan says he will be missed.
"He's probably a little bit sad that he's leaving Fiji's sevens team officially today to start a new chapter in Montpellier. He doesn't want to go - he wants to stay with the boys - but it is what it is and it's a great opportunity for him".
Ben Ryan says IRB Regulation 9 means that Viriviri and other Fiji players based in Europe will still be able to play for his country next year at certain events.
