11 Sep 2008

Pacific Islanders Rugby Union side named for end of year tour

10:46 am on 11 September 2008

The Pacific Islanders rugby union head coach Ilivasi Tabua has named a 28 strong squad to contest the upcoming tour of Europe.

The team made up of players from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa have tests against England, France and Italy in November.

Tabua who took the Fiji national side to the world cup quarter finals in France last year, says the side is a blend of experience and youth.

Fiji is the winner with 12 players selected while Tonga has nine and Samoa seven.

This is the third time the combined squad has toured.

In 2004 matches were played against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Two years later the side toured Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

The team is: Tonga : Soane Tonga'uiha, Kisi Pulu, Aleki Lutui, Hale T Pole, Nili Latu, Viliami Vaki, Finau Maka, Sililo Martens, Pierre Hola. Fiji : Sunia Koto, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Kele Leawere, Semisi Naevo, Sisa Koyamaibole, Mosese Rauluni, Seremaia Bai, Vilimoni Delasau, Seru Rabeni, Kameti Ratuvou, Isireli Naqelevuki, Isireli Bobo. Samoa : Census Johnston, Justin Va'a, Daniel Leo, George Stowers, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Seilala Mapusua Gavin Williams.