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Islanders - 2008 - Press Releases
PHYSICAL…
SPONTANEOUS… ENTERTAINING
Press
release September 11, 2008
Pacific
Islanders name 28 man squad for Northern Tour
2008 Pacific
Islanders Head Coach Ilivasi Tabua has named a 28 man squad to contest
the upcoming tour of Europe.
Test matches will be played against England (November
8); France (November 15); and Italy (November 22).
| Name |
Country |
| Soane
Tonga'uiha |
Tonga |
| Kisi
Pulu |
Tonga |
| Census
Johnston |
Samoa |
| Justin
Va'a |
Samoa |
| Sunia
Koto |
Fiji |
| Aleki
Lutui |
Tonga |
| Ifereimi
Rawaqa |
Fiji |
| Kele
Leawere |
Fiji |
| Hale
T Pole |
Tonga |
| Daniel
Leo |
Samoa |
| Nili
Latu |
Tonga |
| Semisi
Naevo |
Fiji |
| Viliami
Vaki |
Tonga |
| George
Stowers |
Samoa |
| Sisa
Koyamaibole |
Fiji |
| Finau
Maka |
Tonga |
| Mosese
Rauluni |
Fiji |
| Sililo
Martens |
Tonga |
| Seremaia
Bai |
Fiji |
| Pierre
Hola |
Tonga |
| Vilimoni
Delasau |
Fiji |
| Sailosi
Tagicakibau |
Samoa |
| Seilala
Mapusua |
Samoa |
| Seru
Rabeni |
Fiji |
| Kameli
Ratuvou |
Fiji |
| Isireli
Naqelevuki |
Fiji |
| Isireli
Bobo |
Fiji |
| Gavin
Williams |
Samoa |
| |
|
Tabua,
who played for Australia and recently coached the Flying Fijians to
the world cup quarter finals said:
“The combined Pacific Islands side is a fantastic concept that
provides us with a great opportunity to promote our particular brand
of entertaining rugby in Europe.
“This
squad represents the very best of the best of players representing
Fiji, Samoa and Tonga but will blend together with pride to represent
the combined side.
“It
is a blend of experience and youth and I am certain that every player
chosen will do his utmost to make this exciting tour a resounding
success”
Tabua
will be assisted by two other coaches in former internationals Quddus
Fielea (Tonga) in the backs and Peter Fatialofa (Samoa) in the forwards.
As Tongan head coach, Fielea was one of the men behind the success
of the 'Ikale Tahi's at RWC 2007. Fatialofa, himself a former Samoan
prop possesses a long rugby pedigree both as a player and coach.
Keni
Dakuidreketi, Chairman, Pacific Rugby Ltd felt this was a great chance
for Pacific Island rugby to promote its brand in Europe.
“We
play an entertaining and physical brand of rugby that the squad is
very keen to show off in Europe.
“This
tour will build upon previous tours as well as the success of the
three Pacific Island nations at RWC 2007”
This
is the third time the combined squad has toured. In 2004 matches were
played against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in Australia.
In 2006 the side toured Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
