The International Rugby Board has announced that Samoa will host
the 2010 ANZ Pacific Nations Cup. The awarding of the key
international tournament to the Samoa Rugby Union represents a
further boost to the continued development and promotion of Rugby
both in the country and across the whole of the Pacific Islands.
Fiji, Tonga and hosts Samoa will be joined by Japan for the
strategically important IRB-funded tournament which will provide
vital preparation for each of the participating Unions as they
build towards Rugby World Cup 2011.
The two-week festival of Rugby kicks off on June 12 with a
mouth-watering encounter between Fiji and Japan in Lautoka. Last
year the two teams delivered a compelling spectacle in the final
round of matches with Fiji edging the match 40-39 at the death.
Samoa and Tonga play their opening match the same day in Apia, and
two rounds later a new name will be etched onto the coveted Trophy.
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With all but one of the matches again being played in one
country, the 2010 tournament offers a platform for the delivery of
key legacy initiatives, including refereeing and coaching workshops
and junior rugby clinics and competitions, all geared towards the
strategic goal of increasing competitiveness throughout the Pacific
Islands.
"The hosting of the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup matches in
Samoa is a very exciting development for a tournament that is
well-established as a major event on the Rugby calendar," said
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
"Samoa has a rich and proud Rugby heritage and I am sure
that the Samoa Rugby Union will embrace the opportunity to showcase
their country and the Union with the first major international
fifteen-a-side tournament to be hosted in the country."
"The Game continues to achieve growth around the world
through the IRB's £48 million Strategic Investment Programme,
and this tournament is a key element, providing the Participating
Unions with an expanded competition calendar and a dedicated player
development pathway aimed at increasing competitiveness at Test
level, and ultimately at Rugby World Cup," added Lapasset.
Samoa Rugby Union Chairman Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi,
said: "The Samoa Rugby Union is honoured and delighted to be
this year's hosts for the IRB Pacific Nations Cup. Being
undoubtedly the Pacific Islands' [not Island's as many
islands ] Premier tournament, Samoa will certainly be looking
forward to a tremendous festival of entertaining Rugby."
Samoa Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Su'a Peter
Schuster, said: "Hosting the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010 will
be a special moment for the Samoa Rugby Union and the people of
Samoa as it will be the first major Rugby tournament played in the
[ teh ] country since last year's tsunami disaster. We are
looking forward to welcoming Fiji, Japan and Tonga to Samoa, for a
competition that will be a source of excitement and joy for
everyone in the country."