18 May, 2011
Exeter Rugby Club have confirmed that winger Nemani Nadolo wil leave the Aviva Premiership club by mutual consent.
The 23-year-old Fijian, who joined the Chiefs in January from Top 14 French side Bourgoin, has held discussions with head coach Rob Baxter and has asked to be released from his playing contract due to "personal and family reasons" and will return to Australia within the next few days.
Nadolo was banned from driving for 18 months earlier this week after admitting a charge of drink-driving, while his registration with the Chiefs also caused issues due to a passport mix-up.
Last month, the club were docked two league points and fined £5,000 by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) after fielding an extra overseas player in their Premiership match-day squads against London Irish and Leeds Carnegie.
Exeter thought Nadolo had a Fijian passport, which meant he would not be classed as an overseas player, but he arrived in Britain on an Australian passport, which counts as overseas in terms of Premiership regulations.
"Nemani and the club have been in discussions for a few days about releasing him from his current contract with us," Baxter said. "He has told the club he is keen to return to Australia with immediate effect for personal and family reasons and we have granted that request.
"As a club we are aware of Nemani's recent court appearance and take a very dim view of his actions. He is aware he has not only let himself and his family down, but also the club.
"Clearly he made an error of judgment that night, which he now regrets. He is an honest young man who is disappointed and upset at what he has done. We wish Nemani our best wishes for the future and thank him for his contribution during his time with the Chiefs."
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