Fiji defence coach Peter Ryan has announced that his role with the national team has ended after they overspent on their World Cup budget.

Ryan had been working alongside head coach John McKee in a partnership that saw Fiji claim the scalp of France and climb to ninth in the World Rugby rankings.

Many have been expecting Fiji to be a threat to Wales and Australia in Pool D at the World Cup.

However, Ryan announced on social media that he was informed by McKee that he would no longer be involved in their World Cup preparations, as the Fiji Rugby Union had allegedly overspent their budget.

According to Rugby Pass, Fijian authorities have insisted that the allegation is false, claiming that the decision was made in order not to overspend.

The defence coach brief will now be absorbed by one of McKee’s assistant coaches.

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