Jerry Glasier lives in New Zealand where the only religion is rugby. He is currently playing premier club rugby and has helped do scouting for the Hawkes Bay NPC team, now under ex-coach Kieran Keane. Glasier also represented Hawkes Bay at age group basketball. The new Pacific Five Nations tournament kicked off when its first round began on June 3. The tournament is a new IRB endorsed competition between Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Japan and the Junior All Blacks (New Zealand’s second XV).
The new Pacific Five Nations tournament kicked off when its first round started on June 3. The tournament is a new IRB endorsed competition between Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Japan and the Junior All Blacks (New Zealand’s second XV).
What the tournament promises for those involved is a chance of improvement in the international standings through regular competition. The island nations of Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Japan will gain valuable experience to help them compete with better nations, while the Junior All Blacks will solidify the depth in New Zealand rugby.
Australia was invited to enter a team, but declined as they are focusing on their own domestic competition. However, they've said they will be interested in being involved from 2007 onwards. However, Australia will host two games in Tonga vs. Fiji in round 2 and Tonga vs. Samoa in the final round.
The island nations have always produced phenomenal rugby players, but unfortunately the call to play overseas pulled many players to represent other countries. This competition gives local island players and coaches something to be proud to compete in, and will ultimately help the island nations retain players and become stronger on the international stage.
Round One of the competition had the Junior All Blacks beat Fiji 35-17, while Tonga hammered Japan 57-16 in Fukuoka. Samoa had a bye.
Round Two of the competition had Tonga narrowly beat Fiji 24-23. This was the first time Tonga has beaten Fiji since 2003.
In other action, the Junior All Blacks hammered Samoa 56-12, while Japan had a bye.