Fijian star Joji Nasova will not be joining Newcastle next season after the Red Bulls agreed to release him from his contract.
The 25-year-old wing, who won a sevens silver medal at the Paris Olympics, had signed to move to the ambitious Prem club but will now stay with Fijian Drua.
A club statement put the collapse of the deal down to “personal reasons”.
“While we were very much looking forward to welcoming Joji to Newcastle Red Bulls, we fully understand and respect the unique personal circumstances that have led to this decision,” Red Bulls general manager Neil McIlroy told the club wesbite., external
“Contractual certainty is vital for clubs, players and the wider game. But at the same time rugby is built on people, families and communities, and we believe our responsibility as an employer extends beyond the field.
“We wish Joji, his family and the Fijian Drua every success for the future.”
