International News – Pacific Islanders Welcome Rule Change

World rugby’s newest composite side, the
Pacific Islanders, have welcomed a change to rules which will allow them to secure the strongest players for the team.

The Islanders, made up of players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, are
due to
play Test matches against the Wallabies on July 3, the All Blacks on
July 10
and the Springboks on July 17.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) Council met Monday to approve
regulation changes naming Pacific Islanders as an IRB member that can
force a
club to release a player it requires for Test match rugby.
“I am delighted the IRB has moved to protect the Islanders
and to ensure we
can have first and last call on the Fiji, Samoa and Tonga players who
are keen
to participate,” said Pacific Islanders Rugby Alliance chief
Charlie Charters.

The change also covers the British and Irish Lions who, like the
Islanders,
have been recognised as an IRB member for the first time for the
purposes of
player release.

Islanders coach Wayne Pivac welcomed the change saying.
“The issue of player release is a critical one for the
Pacific and this is
a good move that can put our players on the front foot when they
discuss with
their clubs their participation in the Islanders.”

The inaugural Islanders will be selected following the Pacific
Tri-Nations
Series that opens in Apia on May 29 with hosts Samoa facing Tonga.
Tonga play
Fiji in Nuku’alofa on June 4 and then Samoa travel to Suva to play
Fiji on
June 12.
The Islanders squad will be named on June 13.

Meanwhile, All Black legend Michael Jones has been confirmed as head coach of Samoa.
Jones replaces New Zealander John Boe and his appointment was announced by
Samoa
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele, who is also chairman of the Samoa
Rugby
Union, and banker Michael Fay, chairman of the New Zealand based Manu
Samoa
Rugby Ltd.

“This appointment is special to me and I am very humbled by
it”, said Jones, who
has been assistant Samoa coach for the last four years.

Boe said Samoan rugby had a bright future under Jones.
“I have no doubt Michael Jones will do a fine job and I wish
him and Manu
Samoa all the best as they start their preparations for the 2007
Rugby World
Cup in France”, said Boe.

New Zealand-born Jones, 39, first played for the All Blacks in
1987 and
went on to play 55 Tests and 74 games in All Black colours.

This year Samoa will play Tonga in Apia on May 29, Scotland in
Wellington
on June 4 and Fiji in Suva on June 12.

AFP – 2004.