22 Aug 2006

New Pacific Islanders Alliance rugby union head coach says selection open to all players

9:48 am on 22 August 2006

The new Pacific Islanders Alliance Rugby head coach, Pat Lam says selection for the side to Europe at the end of the year is open to everyone.

The former Manu Samoa coach will be assisted by Auckland's Shane Howarth for the side's tests against Wales, Scotland and Ireland at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Lam says selection won't be limited to players from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, and it's up to the selectors as to who they will pick.

"From there we will be able to narrow down which is 30, but it's open to all players who are Pacific Islanders, obviously players who have played at the higher level have the advantage and with the short amount of time to prepare."