semi kunatani

Gollings said the 2016 Olympic gold medalist still has the stamina with double Olympic gold medalist, Jerry Tuwai sharing similar sentiments.

Despite mostly playing fifteens for the past five years, Gollings said he believes Kunatani can do it again in 7s.

Added to the logistical problems of ensuring new head coach Vern Cotter can meet up with his players for the first time to prepare for the tournament, there is now doubt over the availability of Olympic Sevens gold medallist Semi Kunatani after he was dropped by new club Castres.

The French Top 14 outfit issued a statement saying: “Castres Olympique regret to announce that Semi Kunatani did not meet the requirements of the regulatory medical examination and as provided for in the regulations of the National Rugby League.

The Fijian ran into controversy after he returned to Fiji at the start of the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Before Kunatani left for the shutdown, there was no firm indication that he would be exiting Harlequins following a two-season stay. However, it has now emerged that a February 29 appearance in the Gallagher Premiership in the win over Exeter Chiefs was his final outing for Paul Gustard’s side. 

The towering Scarlets locked appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou charged with one count of failure to comply with the directions of a medical officer. A resident of Mataqe settlement, Ratuva pleaded guilty to the offence.

He was issued a stop departure order and is expected to pay the fine before he returns to court on May 8th.

The 24-year-old joined the Scarlets after a season in France with Bordeaux-Begles, having previously played for Brisbane in Australia’s National Rugby Championship.