This was a concern raised by Assistant Fiji coach, Inoke Male, after a test for Western players for the Pacific Rugby Cup in May.

Male, who will coach the Fiji Warriors to defend the PRC title, said players were hiding their injuries.

“The fitness test went well, but we are concerned with the old habit of hiding injuries.

“None of the injured players informed us of their injuries, yet when they took the fitness test, we could tell that they were injured.”

“The only advice we can give them is to rest their injuries and go for rehab,” the former national captain said.

Male said they did not want players to aggravate their injuries because it could ruin their rugby career.

“Rehab is not bad, it makes players rest for a while and they can always make a comeback. If their injuries get worse than they could be ruining their own career.”

Male said some players had shown improvement, but coaches were keeping their fingers crossed that all players would reach the needed level before the PRC and Pacific Nations Cup begin.

“Some players have improved but they have not reached the needed standard.”