The Samoa Rugby Union is working hard behind the scenes to make some of its fifteen-a-side stars available for the World Sevens Series.
A number of big names have joined the circuit this season, with Sonny Bill Williams making his debut for the All Black Sevens in Wellington, South Africa's Francois Hougaard and Juan de Jongh with the Blitzboks and Wallabies winger Henry Speight with Australia.
Quade Cooper is also training with the sevens team but won't feature in Sydney.
Tim-Nanai Williams in action for Samoa during last season's World Sevens Series. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Samoa coach Damian McGrath said they've made contact with Manu Samoa stars Tim Nanai-Williams, TJ Ioane and Paul Perez, who want to be involved with the sevens side.
"Stars of the fifteens are keen. We haven't got the financial backing that some of the other nations have to do deals to bring these boys out of their contracts. We're just looking at ways we can try and get these players involved so as soon as we can get them involved, if we can get them involved, we will get them in because I know Sonny Bill is one of the great players in world rugby of any code, I'm sure he's found it difficult transitioning across and it will be the same for any player so we want them in as soon as possible."
In the meantime, Damian McGrath is hoping his injury ravaged squad can manage at least a quarter final finish in Sydney this weekend, from a difficult pool that includes Fiji, Argentina and France.
Samoa want to improve on their bowl title in Wellington. Photo: World Rugby / Martin Seras Lima
