The Fijian Drua Super Rugby team have sacked utility back Serupepeli Vularika for disciplinary reasons.
Vularika was a part of the Drua team that previously competed in the Australian NRC competition. Photo: Supplied/Fiji Rugby Union
The 31 year old, who has earned 12 test caps for the Flying Fijians, will return to Fiji to discuss his future with the Fiji Rugby Union.
Vularika was a part of the Drua team that previously competed in the Australian NRC competition but did not feature in the club's first four fixtures in Super Rugby Pacific.
Drua CEO Brian Thorburn said the veteran halfback's actions did not live up to the values of the competition newcomers.
"The foundation of a successful professional team are the values that underpin it. We set very high standards for our players, management and staff in this regard," he said.
"All of us at the Drua are expected to live up to our values and adhere to these standards. We are disappointed to have to make this decision today regarding Seru, but it is in the best interest of our Club."
Serupepeli Vularika has been sacked by the Fijian Drua. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Simione Kuruvoli and Peni Matawalu have both started two games apiece for the Drua at halfback, while Flying Fijians star Frank Lomani made his debut off the bench against the Queensland Reds on Saturday after joining the squad earlier this month.
The Drua secured an historic victory over the Melbourne Rebels two weeks ago, in just their third match in Super Rugby Pacific, before pushing the Reds all the way in a narrow 33-28 defeat.
The team is back action against the Western Force on Saturday and coach Mick Byrne said the confidence and self-belief in camp is growing.
"I think our players are realising that they are fit enough to play in Super Rugby," he said.
"They're backing themselves and they've got confidence in their ability to perform and each week we're just working around our performance and I think the belief is there that if we perform well we can compete at this level."