French rugby club deny claims

French rugby club Racing Metro has denied claims it tried to prevent Fijian players from competing at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

The denial follows claims made by former All Black Simon Mannix that Fijian players at the club which he coached last year, like Sireli Bobo, Josh Matavesi, Jone Qovu and Virimi Vakatawa, were paid to be unavailable for the world cup.

Racing Metro president Jacky Lorenzetti said the club has never prevented any player from playing for their countries at the world cup or any international competition.

In a statement Lorenzetti said the selection of its players in a national team is a cause of pride and honor in the club.

Meanwhile, the International Rugby Board will decide whether to open an investigation into the matter during a meeting in Dublin.

Story by: Akuila Cama