G
gho
Guest
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>
I think they deserve one. Also whats up with this forum, its dead. Is it like this because its the offseason or is it like this all the time.
Samoa chasing a Super Rugby side
Friday 29th August 2008
Super Samoa: Will we see a Samoan Super Rugby side in 2011?
The Samoan Rugby Union (SRU) are looking at the possibility of pushing for a Super Rugby side that would play most of its 'home' games in either Australia or New Zealand.
The latest round of talks between SANZAR officials and members of the Samoan and Fijian Rugby Union's concluded earlier this month in Apia. Members of the Tongan Rugby Union were also meant to be present but they were unable to attend.
With Samoa almost forced to pull out of next week's Test with New Zealand due to a lack of players the plight of island rugby was again highlighted this week.
Each of the three unions, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, are pushing for their own stand-alone sides that would compete in an enlarged Super Rugby tournament.
SANZAR are expected to give the green-light to major changes that will take effect in 2011, and the SRU have stressed that they want a stand-alone side.
It had previously been mooted that a Pacific Islanders composite team could be included. The SRU were also keen to look at the possibility of playing some of their matches away from Apia, for financial reasons.
"Those are the options that they are looking at, where you can get good gate money and whether you go to Australia or Mt Smart," SRU Chief Executive Peter Schuster told Yahoo!Xtra.
"All these things are important information for the viability of the teams."
Whilst Schuster did not completely rule out a combine islands side he did stress Samoa's preference for a stand-alone side.
"That would be the preference," he continued.
"We would like to have our own franchise in the Super Series and also a Test team in a series. That would give you more depth of players and also allow us the retention of good players.
"At this point of time they (SANZAR) have to make a decision around mid next year.
"For us, and for Tonga and Fiji, we are looking at exploring the viability of professional opportunities. We need to give some options to the SANZAR group."
Schuster said gaining entry into an expanded Super Rugby competition was the key to Samoa, along fellow island nations, being able to progress.
The biggest benefit Schuster highlighted was the fact players would be able to ply their trade in their homeland, thus stemming the player drain on the islands.
That is the main issue surrounding the weakened side Samoa were forced to select for Wednesday's one-off Test against the All Blacks.
The latest round of SANZAR talks in Apia was convened by Samoan Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, the chairman of the Samoan Rugby Union.
Also in attendance were NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs and his Australian counterpart Peter McGrath.
"I am happy with progress of the initial consultations with SANZAR and the possible opportunities for the Pacific Unions to talk to all the parties in SANZAR as any future changes which could open up opportunities for the Pacific Unions will require a unanimous decision by the SANZAR members," Malielegaoi said.[/b]
I think they deserve one. Also whats up with this forum, its dead. Is it like this because its the offseason or is it like this all the time.
