Isi Tu'ivai has been ruled out of this year's Hong Kong Sevens after he made himself unavailable for selection yesterday.
After four years of illustrious service for Hong Kong, Tu'ivai has said work commitments would prevent him from making himself available for the Fiji Sevens, a fortnight before the March 27-29 Hong Kong Sevens.
'Only those who would be available for the Fiji tournament would be considered for the Hong Kong Sevens,' said Ian Brownlee, chairman of selectors. 'At this stage, Isi is not considered.' Brownlee, sevens coach Jim Rowark and the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union's assistant director of coaching Bob Brown sat down yesterday soon after the Bill Riach Sevens - won by DeA - to pencil in an initial 21-strong squad.
Rowark was quick to point out that he could bring in players into the squad as and when the need arose.
'The key is flexibility. We can add players over time,' said Rowark.
This could possibly leave the way open for Tu'ivai, who has been a regular feature of both the sevens and 15s team in the past four seasons. But increased responsibility at his workplace could be the end of an illustrious career for the Tongan speedster at sevens.