Rugby Union: Vunibaka refused permit

Leicester Tigers could begin the new Allied Dunbar Premiership season without the Fijian Marika Vunibaka, after he was refused a work permit on the grounds that he does not qualify as an international player, despite the fact that he has played in Fiji's successful Sevens side.

Stuart Farmer, Leicester's press officer, said: "It's a ridiculous decision, but we are trying again and hopefully we will get it. Perhaps we should organise a game against Fiji, so that he can get his cap.

"Fiji are arguing that in their country the seven-man game is more popular than the 15-man version and therefore having a Sevens cap is better," Farmer said.

Vunibaka was the top try scorer at the recent Sevens World Cup, where Fiji were world champions.