Pacific Islanders
Media Release

Sunday 5 November 2006

Pacific Islanders touch down

The Digicel Pacific Islanders arrived in Cardiff at the weekend and immediately set the stage with an impressive cultural display at half time in the Wales versus Australia Test Match on Saturday.

The Pacific Islanders side which comprises 12 players from Samoa, and 9 each from Fiji and Tonga is embarking on an historic first ever European Tour after playing close games with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in 2004 racking up 10 tries in the process.

Pacific Islanders head coach Pat Lam said the squad is looking forward to the challenge of games versus Wales (11 November) Scotland (18 November) and Ireland (26 November).

“It’s an exacting schedule but I am confident that we have the right blend of players to provide stern opposition”

“There are many experienced players in this team. I will be looking to these players to provide leadership both on and off the field and to do everything possible to make this tour a success,” said Lam.

Pacific Islanders CEO, Sakopo Lolohea said the tour is a great opportunity to showcase Pacific Island rugby in Europe.

“As you can see from Saturday’s display we are keen to illustrate our unique cultural history as well as play exciting rugby”.

“Pacific Island rugby is not seen nearly enough in Europe and this opportunity will highlight our particular brand and show we can mix it with some of the best teams in the world, said Lolohea.

The team will commence training with an open session at Llanrumney on Monday morning at