The Chief Executive of the International Rugby Board, Mike Miller said talks are continuing with the NZ government over its stance on Fiji's participation in the Rugby World Cup.
However New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Murray McCulley has told the IRB that NZ will not relax its ban on members of the Fiji military for the tournament.
Miller is in New Zealand to mark 100 days to the World Cup and was briefed on the Fiji situation by McCulley.
McCulley told Miller that his Government's policy is clear, and there will be no change unless there is a change towards democracy in Fiji.
But Miller told Radio NZ that he is confident that Fiji's best players will take the field later this year.
Meanwhile, FRU Board Chairman, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga had earlier told Fijivillage News that it is unfortunate Fiji cannot pick the best team for the Rugby World Cup.
The Rugby World Cup kicks off in New Zealand on September 9th and the first Flying Fijians trials will be held tomorrow in Suva.
Story by: Vijay Narayan, Paradise Tudrau and Dhanjay Deo
Feature
IRB in talks with NZ over Fiji