Fijian flyer Filipo Daugunu will not be available for the Rebels’ clash with the Hurricanes on Friday despite returning to training after sitting out the last round over a pay dispute.
Daugunu, who played for Australia A last year and has seven Test caps, was back at training on Tuesday but too late to be considered for the Hurricanes match in Palmerston North, with the team departing Wednesday.
“It’s between him and his agent and Rugby Australia and they’ve been trying to work it out,” Rebels coach Kevin Foote told AAP.
“Filipo actually came to training today which is great – he’s not up for selection this week because it’s too late as we’ve already finished our training week but just to have him back is very pleasing for us.”
Meanwhile flanker Vaiolini Ekuasi and lock Angelo Smith start while Taniela Tupou has been reverted back to the bench, with Sam Talakai starting.
Mason Gordon, who is younger brother of Carter, is in line to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench and Lukhas Ripley starts in midfield.
The match kicks off at 6.05pm.
