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The Fiji Rugby Union, as well as other senior chiefs, have revealed the reasons behind the shock decision to axe Sevens maestro Waisale Serevi as coach of the national sevens team.

As reported yesterday the FRU announced on Tuesday that the FRU Board "unanimously resolved" to terminate the services of Serevi as Fiji's Sevens coach effective immediately.

In a fascinating denouement to what has obviously been a fractious relationship, the major reasons that led to Serevi’s downfall can now be revealed.

These include Serevi picking unfit and injured players who had "failed fitness tests" – perhaps one of the reasons they slipped up at the semi-finals stages in the opening rounds of the IRB Sevens World Series in Dubai and George.

Selector Dan Lobendan revealed Serevi picked Lepani Nabuliwaqa for national duties last year despite knowing that he was unfit and carrying an injury.

The Fiji Times suggested that only two members of the Fiji team that went to the Dubai and George Sevens tournaments had passed the fitness test held last September.

And the FRU, in a statement, also said that Serevi’s continued public utterances questioning team selection had led to an unworkable relationship between the coach and Fiji’s hierarchy.

"He is a senior player so Serevi was given the option by selectors," said Lobendan.

"Since September last year Lepani's fitness did not improve. He was also carrying injury and was red carded."

Lobendan said the selectors had no choice but to drop Nabuliwaqa from the squad for the next leg of the IRB Sevens World Series, which was finalised with Serevi's approval on January 19. The squad was endorsed by signatures of Serevi, national coaching director Ilivasi Tabua, Mosese Taga and Lobendan.

It had Osea Kolinisau, William Rasileka and Ponipate Kato as non travelling reserves. He said Serevi was aware of the team that was selected and endorsed it as well. Yet on Tuesday, Serevi denied having any knowledge of the team selection.

Lobendan said two-time World Cup winner Serevi was an 'individualist'.

"Serevi is not a team player," he said.

"There is little difference in the two teams. Dropped is Emosi Vucago and since halfback is a specialist position the selectors drafted Nemia Kenatale," said FRU chairman Keni Dakuidreketi.

The Serevi saga could not have come at a worst time for Fiji with a gruelling and hectic schedule ahead of them, with back to back legs of the IRB Sevens World Series in Wellington and San Diego coming up in the next few weeks. They then jet off to Fiji in an attempt to defend their world crown in Dubai, starting on 5th March.

Read the FRU's full statement