Austrailia Denies Visas to Soldiers Who Are Fiji Rugby Team Members

AUSTRALIA has banned the Fiji national rugby team's assistant manager and a key player from entering the country for Saturday's test against the Wallabies.The two have links to the Fiji military, which took power in a coup last year.

Manager Semi Rogoyawa and prop Alefoso Yalayalatabua, who serve in the Fijian navy, have been denied visas under travel sanctions imposed by Australia against members of the Fijian armed forces and their families.

"That is in accordance with Australia's travel restrictions on the Fiji military and other supporters of the coup," a spokesman for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

"Military personnel who are members of Fiji teams are covered by our policy on visas."

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