Fiji recently experienced a military coup and American authorities have recommended that US citizens should stay away from the islands until full order is restored.

But US Eagles coach Al Caravelli said that the coup, in which military chief Cmdr Frank Bainimarama ousted PM Laisenia Qarase, had not figured in his side's decision to pull out.

"To go to Fiji would have been a wonderful experience for our players to compete at a very high level," Caravelli told the Fiji Times.

"Considering Fiji is the defending world champions, it would have been an excellent lead up to the Wellington [IRB] Sevens.

"However, there is always a silver lining. Staying home, instead, allows us to have a full assembly before the Wellington Sevens.

"And, from an athletic standpoint, it allows us to put the best 21 players available against each other for a full week.

"We will then select the best players based on their fitness and form. From a personal basis, it allows our team a bit more time at work and with their families.

"Unfortunately, our players aren't professional rugby players, and taking off four-straight weeks, which they would have done if we were to attend Fiji, is extremely difficult for them."

But Jeremy Duxbury, the Fiji Rugby Union's sponsorship and marketing director, said that the American side had cited the coup as a principle factor in their decision to stay away.

Duxbury also revealed that Papua New Guinea had also pulled out of proceedings.

"PNG have decided to stick to their original commitment of going to the Darwin Sevens, though they also cited the "current circumstances in Fiji'," he said.

"Canada, Fiji, Japan, Niue, Samoa, Tahiti, Vanuatu are there and we are waiting for confirmation from several others.

"Naturally, we're disappointed with USA's withdrawal, though they are only following the US government's advice.

"However, we still expect strong support from the other invited countries and know that we'll have a terrific international tournament here in Fiji for the first time in seven years.

"Were confident of having teams from both Australia and New Zealand, though the make-up of those sides is still being sorted out."