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Fiji wing Nemani Nadolo quits international duties ahead of World Cup

Nemani Nadolo and the Fijian squad did themselves proud at RWC 2015. Chris Lee - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

Fiji star Nemani Nadolo has revealed he has hung up the Fiji jersey just eight months out from the Rugby World Cup in an emotional Instagram post.

Nadolo revealed both on-field and off-field issues had led to the decision to step away from international duties, but said he looked forward to continuing to prove himself with French club side Montpellier.

View this post on Instagram

I thought I'd be the first to let you all know that i'v called it a day playing for my beloved country Fiji. First and foremost I want to thank the almighty for without him i believe I would never have gotten this far. The moment I debuted as a "caretaker" of the jersey back in 2010 I would have never thought I'd have played for this long and represented the tiny island of Fiji. I want to thank all the coaches, trainers, physios and people I have come in contact with during my time as a "caretaker" of the jersey. To all the past and present players whom i'v had the honour of playing along side with I want to say big VINAKA.. Most of all to the PEOPLE of Fiji both in Fiji and abroad. I just want to let you all know that it's been a pleasure to have represented you all over the years.. I believe this team belongs to the people of fiji and its because of you we find the motivation to play everytime we get the opportunity and for that I hope I haven't let you guys down. With the depth and current crop of outside backs coming through I have no doubt that the next "caretakers" of the jersey will do a great job.. Iv faced a few challenges over the last 18 month's both on and off the field. After speaking to my partner @kimstyleme for a long period of time about this I felt it was the right decision for me and my family moving forward. I still have a lot to prove and I look forward to doing that with my club @mhr_officiel.. I wish the coaches and the current squad all the best for the future and have no doubt they will do well!.. #vinaka #veilomani ❤

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A 30-match Test star, Nadolo missed selection for the Fiji squad for the 2018 November International Series.

Nadolo has been a strong voice behind the push to get Fiji involved in more international matches as well as pushing the inclusion of a combined Pacific Nations team in Super Rugby.

A hard running win, Nadolo played a huge role for Fiji, scoring 19 tries in his international career including one try against England in their opening match of the 2015 World Cup.

Moving to Queensland, Australia at a young age, Nadolo represented local sides in both Queensland and New South Wales, before he was selected in the Australia Under-20 side in 2008 and was signed by the Waratahs. After he struggled to make an impact with the Super Rugby side he later signed with French Top 14 team Bourgoin-Jallieu for the 2010-11 season and chose to represent his home nation on the international stage.

Nadolo returned to Super Rugby for the Crusaders in 2014 and made a huge impact on the competition, becoming equal top try scorer alongside Israel Folau with 12 tries in 12 starts. He signed on for a further two seasons and finished his career at the Crusaders with 27 tries in 40 games, before he returned to France with Montpellier.

Despite missing the side in 2018, the loss of the big ball-running wing could put a big dent in Fiji's World Cup preparations, especially as they take on Australia in their opening match of the tournament in a 2015 World Cup replay and look to make the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007.