Pacific Islanders named for 2008 European tour [1]
Friday, September 12, 2008 - 12:28. Updated on Friday, June 13, 2014 - 19:16.
The Pacific Islanders 2008 rugby team was announced by the head coach Ilivasi Tabua in Suva, Fiji, yesterday, September 12.
The team is made up of 12 Fijians, nine Tongans and seven Samoans.
The Pacific Islanders will play three test matches in Europe during November, against England on November 8, France November 15 and Italy November 22.
Following the announcement of the 28-man squad, the head coach Ilivasi Tabua said that the squad included the best of the best players representing Fiji, Samoa and Tonga who would 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."
The Pacific Islanders 2008 team:
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 will be assisted by two other coaches, 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 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 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.