Members of the American Samoa rugby team will receive allowances for the first time at this month's Hong Kong Sevens.
The Chairman of the American Samoa Rugby Union, Togiola Tulafono, says the US$20,000 donation from Blue Sky Communications means they can offer the 12 players an allowance of $700 each.
Togiola says the support from Blue Sky has made it possible for the Talavalu to reach Hong Kong.
"Had it not been for that commitment we would not have made it to Fiji for the Oceania Championships. From that participation we've earned the right to compete for the number 16th team in the whole world, to compete next year in the World Series HSBC of Rugby Sevens by the IRB, and we have all the reasons to be confident in their ability".
The Cook Islands will also feature in the Hong Kong Challenger event, from which the top four teams will advance to a final World Series qualifier in London in May.
Leota Setefano Fata will coach the Talavalu team in Hong Kong.
