World rugby's newest composite side, the
Pacific Islanders, Wednesday welcomed a change to rules which will allow them to
ssecure the strongest players for the team.
The Islanders, made up of players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, are due to play Test matches against the Wallabies on July 3, the All Blacks on July 10 and the Springboks on July 17.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) Council met Monday to approve
regulation changes naming Pacific Islanders as an IRB member that can force a club to release a player it requires for Test match rugby.
"I am delighted the IRB has moved to protect the Islanders and to ensure we
can have first and last call on the Fiji, Samoa and Tonga players who are keen to participate," said Pacific Islanders Rugby Alliance chief Charlie
Charters.
The change also covers the British and Irish Lions who, like the Islanders,
have been recognised as an IRB member for the first time for the purposes of
player release.
Islanders coach Wayne Pivac welcomed the change.
"The issue of player release is a critical one for the Pacific and this is a good move that can put our players on the front foot when they discuss with their clubs their participation in the Islanders."
The inaugural Islanders will be selected following the Pacific Tri-Nations Series that opens in Apia on May 29 with hosts Samoa facing Tonga. Tonga play Fiji in Nuku'alofa on June 4 and then Samoa travel to Suva to play Fiji on June 12.
The Islanders squad will be named on June 13.