The fitness tests measured core strength, running and strength.

The four are Mark Gerrard, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Morgan Turinui and star winger Lote Tuqiri, all of whom failed "to meet the required fitness levels during the camp".

Coach John Connolly said: "We set some standards for this camp at the end of the Spring Tour and the four players have been sent home for failing to meet those standards.

"They will resume training with their Super 14 teams tomorrow to start fitness programs."

Connolly expressed the hope that taking strong action against the four players would send a strong message to those hoping to make the World Cup side.

He said: "Players were told at the start of the camp that if they were unable to meet certain standards they would be removed from the camp.

"We have very limited time available to us for physical preparation before the World Cup and this camp was to give us a platform from which to build on for the rest of the year."

The remaining squad of 43 players will complete the final day of the three-day camp on Friday.

This may well not help Tuqiri in his attempt to negotiate a bigger pay packet from the Australian Rugby Union, with rugby league scouts constantly knocking at his door and his union future in some doubt.