12 Jul 2007

Samoa bids to join Tri Nations tournament

7:59 am on 12 July 2007

Samoa's Rugby Union chairman and Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, has returned to Apia after a rugby mission where he discussed with the Australia rugby union chairman and South Africa's rugby union president an opportunity for the Manu Samoa to be part of the Tri-Nations tournament.

The discussions were held in Australia but New Zealand's rugby boss, Jock Hobbs, was not part of the talks.

Tuila'epa however told reporters that he will inform Mr Hobbs about the discussions.

The chairman says if the opportunity is granted Manu Samoa could play the top teams of the tournament from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa on a regular basis.