Digicel Pacific Islanders is the new name of the combined Pacific Islands Rugby Union team to tour Wales, Ireland and Scotland, starting on November 11.

Pacific Rugby Limited has signed a major sponsorship agreement on Friday with Digicel Pacific Limited, a new GSM Provider that is entering the Pacific region, to become the major sponsor for the Pacific Islanders during their tour of the British Isles,

Pacific Rugby...’s chief executive officer, Sakopo Lolohea, expressed huge delight at the deal that will see the Pacific triumvirate team well supported for the three-Test tour to the British Isles.

...“It...’s great to have Digicel Pacific on board as the main sponsor,...” Sakopo said. ...“The Pacific Islanders are a relatively new but very dynamic team, and that image is matched perfectly by our new sponsors Digicel....”

The Digicel Pacific Islanders are made up of the cream of the crop from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, combining the complementary strengths of each of the three teams. The November tour will be their second, following their inaugural tour to Australia and New Zealand in 2004.

Sakopo explained that the Digicel Pacific Islanders team is, ...“about a playing opportunity for our elite players at the highest level against Tier 1 Nations....”

...“This tour is about showcasing our brand of rugby to the Northern Hemisphere. We want to show everyone what we can do if given the chance....”

Digicel Pacific founder and chairman, Denis O...’Brien, revealed that the new sponsorship deal would help Digicel promote its mobile business across the Pacific.

...“Our partnership with the Pacific Islanders is an exciting new development in the growth of Digicel in this region,...” Mr O...’Brien said. ...“And the team can rely on our full support in helping them achieve their goal of competing with the Tier 1 rugby nations....”

Earlier this week, Digicel launched their new GSM services in Samoa.

...“This launch represents the first step in what promises to be a very exciting journey, ...“Vanessa Slowey, CEO of Digicel Pacific Ltd, said.

...“We are thrilled to be launching the first of the Digicel Pan Pacific operations in Samoa and it is appropriate that we take the best rugby in the Digicel Pacific Islanders and combine our synergies to achieve collective excellence....”

Digicel Pacific Islanders 2006 Schedule:

Saturday 11 November ...– vs Wales

Saturday 18 November ...– vs Scotland

Sunday 26 November ...– vs Ireland