Fats Enterprises Ltd.

Moving People is Our Business.

News Article

Yahoo!Xtra Sport / Neil Reid in New Plymouth - September 2, 2008, 11:12 am

The International Rugby Board has been urged to review their eligibility regulations allowing the likes of one-test All Black Kevin Senio to line-up for Manu Samoa.

Samoan rugby icon Peter Fatialofa says the IRB could go a long way to helping the plight of Samoa, Fiji and Tonga by allowing players who had brief test careers with the likes of the Wallabies and All Blacks to go and later play for their homelands.

The IRB has knocked back previous attempts by the likes of Andrew Blowers, Dylan Mika and Ofisa Tonu'u to play for Samoa following the end of their brief All Black careers.

The game's ruling body is steadfast in the belief that once a player either plays test or Sevens rugby for one nation, they are locked into that country's high-performance structure.

But Fatialofa said it was time for that to change, especially in the current rugby environment when increasing international careers were short-lived.

"My nephew, Kevin Senio, I always talked to him about his options before he became an All Black for 20 seconds," Fatialofa told Yahoo!Xtra.

"My other nephew, DJ Forbes, well he is playing for New Zealand Sevens but looking at the players the All Blacks have, is he ever going to be an All Black?

"He would be a great player for Samoa. But the boy is now always going to known as a Sevens player at international level.

"There are a few of them."

Fatialofa was the face of Samoan rugby during the late 1980s and 1990s.

Despite being one of the bookends of the Auckland front row, he was unable to ever push his way into the All Blacks.

Instead he fashioned a strong international career with Manu Samoa.

The issue of player eligibility is again up for debate following the massively under-strength team rookie Manu Samoa coach Niko Palamo will field against the All Blacks in New Plymouth on Wednesday night.

The only player who has made the squad from Europe is lock Chade Slade, who plays for tiny English club Exeter.

Because the test falls outside of the IRB's test window, clubs are under no obligations to release imports for test duty.

The Japanese-based trio of Filipo Levi, Semo Sititi and George Stowers gained releases, as did Counties Manukau players Romi Ropati and Simon Lemalu.

The remainder of the team is made up of Samoan-based club players, including several members of the nation's Sevens squad.

Problems gaining players saw Samoan Rugby Union officials debating cancelling the test.

Fatialofa said that was an option which was not to his liking.

"For Samoa, we take what has been given to us," he said.

"You never turn down the chance to play New Zealand. That should be the last option, to turn it down.

"Whoever said 'Yes', must have known that they wouldn't be able to have the players from the UK."

A realistic Fatialofa said Manu Samoa would have the challenge of restricting the damage on the scoreboard.

While he hoped Palamo's untested squad could hold their own, he said they were on a hiding to nothing.

"I really hope New Zealand have an off day," Fatialofa said.

"But I think the All Blacks are the best team at the moment.

"They seem to peak when it matters and they will be keen to shrug off any cobwebs they might have from their week off."

Fats calls on IRB to act

Date: 02/09/2008

Getty Images ©

'Fats' back in international coaching hot-seat

Yahoo!Xtra Sport / Neil Reid in Brisbane - September 12, 2008, 11:16 am

 

 

Peter Fatialofa is set for a return to the international coaching arena, being appointed to the Pacific Islanders' staff ahead of their European tour.

The former Manu Samoa prop, captain and assistant coach has been named as forwards coach of the side, featuring the cream of Tongan, Samoan and Fijian talent, for their upcoming tour.

The side will be coached by former Wallabies star Ilivasi Tabua, who guided Fiji to the quarterfinals of last year's Rugby World Cup in France.

He will be assisted by Fatialofa and Tonga's Quddus Fielea, who will look after the backs.

As well as confirming his coaching assistants, Tabua has also confirmed his 28-man touring team.

The side has a strong influence of former New Zealand-based players, including Gavin Williams, the son of All Black great Bryan Williams.

Other notable former NZ-based players include Census Johnston, Kele Leaware, Hale T Pole, Nili Latu, George Stowers, Finau Maka and Seilala Mapusua.

"The combined Pacific Islands side is a fantastic concept that provides us with a great opportunity to promote our particular brand of entertaining rugby in Europe," Tabua said.

"This squad represents the very best of the best of players representing Fiji, Samoa and Tonga but will blend together with pride to represent the combined side.

"It is a blend of experience and youth and I am certain that every player chosen will do his utmost to make this exciting tour a resounding success."

Added Pacific Island Rugby Ltd chairman Keni Dakuidreketi: "We play an entertaining and physical brand of rugby that the squad is very keen to show off in Europe.

"This tour will build upon previous tours as well as the success of the three Pacific Island nations at RWC 2007."

The 2008 Pacific Islanders will play tests against England (November 8), France (November 15) and Italy (November 22).

Pacific Islanders squad: Soane Tonga'uiha, Kisi Pulu, Census Johnston, Justin Va'a, Sunia Koto, Aleki Lutui, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Kele Leaware, Hale T Pole, Daniel Leo, Nili Latu, Semisi Naevo, Viliami Vaki, George Stowers, Sisa Koyamaibole, Finau Maka, Mosese Rauluni, Sililo Martens, Seremia Bai, Pierre Hola, Vilimoi Delasau, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Seilala Mapusua, Seru Rabeni, Kameli Ratuvou, Isireli Naqelevuki, Isireli Bobo, Gavin Williams.