|
|
|
 TEIVOVO.COM - INTERNATIONAL 7s
|
|
|
Tuesday 2 January 2006
American Samoa sign up for Fiji Int’l 7s
American Samoa are the latest international team to confirm their participation in the Fiji Int’l 7s that will be held at Churchill Park in Lautoka on 19-20 January.
“We’re delighted that American Samoa have taken up the challenge,” FRU chief executive Timoci Tavanavanua said. “They are one of the countries in the region trying to develop their game and the Fiji International 7s should allow them to gauge their progress against other smaller island nations in the region.”
Falefata Moli Taai Lemana, secretary of the American Samoa Rugby Union, echoed Tavanavnua’s sentiments.
“What an exciting event for us to finally step up on the plate and take part in an international competition,” Mr Lemana said. “We’re really looking forward to visiting Fiji and we’re very grateful for the generous invitation from the Fiji Rugby Union.”
American Samoa take the place of Canada, who reluctantly had to withdraw following a travel advisory from Canada’s Foreign Affairs Department stating that non-essential travel to Fiji should be avoided.
Canada 7s team manager Doug Tate explained that the players and coaching staff had been “really excited about getting an opportunity to play in Fiji, so they will be very disappointed.”
“We were hoping that the Government’s position would loosen and we would be able to attend,” Mr Tate said. “Rugby Canada really appreciates the offer and wishes you the best in staging your 7s event.”
Confirmed teams for the event are now as follows: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Japan, Niue, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga and Vanuatu.
The final line-up will be sorted out by the end of this week when the pools and draws will be announced. Details of the provincial 7s event will also be released prior to the BP 7s Finals tournament.
International 7s main page |
|
|
