Hong Kong's plan to mount a full-scale assault on the Cup competition at next weekend's Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Sevens received a severe blow with the news that flying winger Luke Nabaro has pulled out of the team.
Nabaro is on the verge of signing a one-year contract with English Second Division club Bristol who have not released him for the Hong Kong Sevens.
The Fijian star returned to Hong Kong on Tuesday night and Hong Kong rugby officials were optimistic that his return meant he would be able to play for the SAR.
But Nabaro informed Hong Kong team officials that he would be unable to play as he will have to return to England, and Bristol, early next week.
'I'm very sorry that I cannot play for Hong Kong. But I have to think of my future and Hong Kong cannot offer me the same security as Bristol can,' said Nabaro yesterday.
Nabaro, who left for a trial run with Bristol last month, returned to Hong Kong on Tuesday night as he had to get a fresh visa from the British Consulate in Hong Kong.