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Fijian Sevens flyer Vereniki Goneva has been declared unavailable for next season’s IRB Series campaign following his decision to concentrate on the 15-a-side game, signing a contract with Pro D2 club, Stade Aurillacois Cantal Auvergne in France.

Goneva was a major player in Fiji’s resurgence last season after a poor start.

Along with skipper Emosi Vugaco, Nasoni Roko, and Pio Tuwai, Goneva helped the Islanders storm to wins in Hong Kong and Edinburgh, which lead to his side leapfrogging England into the runner’s up position behind winners South Africa.

The French contract will see Goneva team up with former national reps Dan Baleinadogo and Fero Lasagavibau and give Goneva an opportunity at laying a marker down for inclusion in 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

"I have set my target and that is to play in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, fifteens is the way forward for me at the moment and I want to be in the national team,” said Goneva who also represented his country at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in March.

Fifteen-a-side coach Ilivasi Tabua assured fans that further players will be developed for the Sevens team to replace Goneva but that he saw him as a potentially key player for them in for New Zealand in two years time.

Despite the news, Goneva has still been included in Fiji’s training squad for the World Games held between 24-25th July in Chinese Taipei. Fiji are the defending champions at the Games following their win in 2005, where they were lead by Waisale Serevi. There are no overseas based players in the team which will be coached by Iliesa Tanivula whose services are again wanted by the FRU after his initial contract as national coach expired recently.

Fiji World Games Training Squad: Seremaia Burotu, Suliasi Ramasima, Watisoni Votu, Niumaia Cakacaka, Nasoni Roko, Emosi Vucago, Jolame Bera, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Pio Tuwai, Apsai Nayabo, Waqabaca Kotobalavu, Orisi Sareki, Peni Rokodiva, Sionasa Vunisa.