Reformed Pacific Islanders to face Ireland in 2006 test match

The Pacific Islanders will play five tests in 2006, including historic tests against Ireland, Scotland and Wales, after its three member unions pledged to reform the team.

Fiji, Tonga and Samoa committed to the Pacific Islanders concept and the International Rugby Board’s playing schedule for next year at a meeting in Wellington earlier this month.

The Pacific Islanders’ five-test programme for next year also includes matches against the All Blacks and Italy in the June international window.

“We have proceeded according to our alliance agreement,” said Sakopo Lolohea, chief executive of the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance (PIRA).

“The decisions we took at our Wellington meeting are in line with our commitments of all three nations under the IRB International Test Matches and Tours Schedule.”

Lolohela then confirmed that further discussions over the playing schedule are planned with IRB chairman Mike Miller for April this year.

The unified side was formed in 2004 and played inaugural tests against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa but have no games planned for this year and there had been doubts over the long-term financial viability of the side.

It was claimed 10 days ago that Fiji, unhappy with the amount of money raised by the 2004 tour, would reject the concept of a united Islanders side in order to go it alone.

But the Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Pio Bosco Tikoisuva said: “Fiji, along with Samoa and Tonga, will ensure that the Pacific Islanders will meet the IRB 2006 schedule obligations.”