TVNZ: A bid in place to get more Pacific players on the Super Rugby World stage is being looked into this week.
Top rugby executives are in Sydney looking at the bids, one of which is being driven by a Samoan company.
Sealegs Executive Chairman, Eric Series is behind the bid.
His company’s just donated a search and rescue boat, he’d also like to give the Pacific Nation a Super Rugby team.
“You can’t miss the love, the rugby and you can’t miss the fact there is something about Samoa and rugby it’s in the DNA of the (Samoan) people.”
The Waikato Chiefs shareholder founded and finances the Asia Pacific Dragons.
Flying the Singapore flag but made up of Pacific Islanders, they’re one of two teams being considered for an expanded Southern Hemisphere competition in 2016.
Former All Black and Samoan representative Dylan Mika believes it would be a huge step forward.
“For Manu Samoa we have got an opportunity with Asia Pacific Dragons, it’s going to be amazing that Samoa can have the opportunity to play in a Super Rugby competition and be involved, is going to give them benefits for Manu Samoa in the years to come.”
New Zealand, Australian and South African rugby bosses are in Sydney discussing the Japanese and Singapore bids.
Already Manu Samoa’s been boosted by next year’s date with the World Champions All Blacks which is scheduled to be played on July the 8th.
The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi flies to New Zealand this weekend to finalise details.
A decision if Samoa can also dip into Super Rugby isn’t expected to be known until next month.
– TVNZ
