Fiji hand Delasau a 12-month Test ban

Fiji have handed Canterbury star Vilimoni Delasau a twelve-month ban from international rugby after the wing failed a drugs test.

Delasau tested positive for cannabis after Fiji's clash with the All Blacks in Albany on June 10 and was handed a two-match ban by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and ordered to a pay a fine of NZ$500 (US$350).

The International Rugby Board (IRB) were satisfied with the punishment meted out to Delasau, declaring that his offence was "on the lower end of the scale".

But the Fijian Rugby Union (FRU) have now decided to make an example of their errant speedster.

FRU chairman, Keni Dakuidreketi, stressed the severity of Delasau's offence and reiterated that drug-taking would not be tolerated.

"We hope this sends a clear message to all rugby players in Fiji that we will not tolerate drugs users in our sport," Dakuidreketi told One Sport New Zealand.

"This incident has brought the game into disrepute, and it happened when Delasau was wearing the white jersey and representing his country."

Delasau, a senior member of Wayne Pivac's squad, has played 21 Tests for Fiji and was part of the Sevens team that won the Sevens World Cup earlier this year.

The suspension means that the 28-year-old will not be eligible for national team duties or be able to play rugby in Fiji until September 2006.

Delasau's penalty will only apply for the national side and would not stop him from playing for Canterbury, and does not affect any overseas contract or playing commitment.

The Crusaders wing, scored the winning try for Canterbury in their Ranfurly Challenge match against Waikato over the weekend, is the second Fiji star to fall foul of the FRU in recent weeks.

Agen star Rupeni Caucaunibuca was also hit with 12-month ban from Test rugby for failing to join the national team for its matches in June and July.