National 7s rep Lepani Botia will miss the Wellington 7s due to injury.
Digicel Fiji 7s assistant coach Timoci Waniqolo confirmed to Fijivillage that Botia will undergo surgery tomorrow due to an injury he sustained during the B division final between Namosi and Rewa last year and he will be out for nearly four weeks.
Wainiqolo adds Botia will recover in time for the next leg of the World 7s series in Hong Kong and Japan.
Meanwhile, Nadroga prop Peni Ravai will replace Botia in the Digicel Fiji Barbarians side for the Uprising 7s.
The Digicel Fiji Barbarians are pooled with Tonga, LICI Police and Lomaiviti Barbarians.
The shadow national side will take on Lomaiviti Barbarians at 11:24am in its first game at Churchill Park on Friday.
Story by: Akuila Cama