Following the resounding success of the Pacific Challenge 2023 hosted by Lakapi Samoa, the World Rugby-funded tournament is returning to Apia in 2024 for an exciting competition contested by hosts Manuma Samoa, Fiji Warriors, Tonga A, and Japan Future stars of rugby in the Pacific Islands participated in the 2020 Pacific Combine.
The programme featured 24 players from Samoa, Tonga and Fiji and was delivered by World Rugby in partnership with Pacific Rugby Players and the unions.
Played over three match days from 10-20 April at Apia Park, the Pacific Challenge aims to grow rugby in the region by providing a platform for the most promising locally-based players to develop their skills in a competitive environment against cross-border opposition.
Each team’s squad of 28 players must consist of 23 players that are 23 years of age and under as of 10 April, 2024, while the remaining five players can be any age over 18. The team recording the maximum number of competition points across the tournament after the three fixtures will be crowned champions, succeeding the Fiji Warriors who clinched the title in 2023 for the 10th time in their history.
World Rugby Chairman, Sir Tootootumua Bill Beaumont said: “We are delighted to organise back-to-back Pacific Challenges in Samoa, a country with such a rich rugby heritage and successful track record of hosting international tournaments. The 2024 edition promises to be an electrifying showcase of skill, passion, and sportsmanship and I can’t wait to see these emerging players test their mettle against formidable opposition, developing their talent on their way to the highest levels of our game.”
Chief Executive Officer, Lakapi Samoa, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai: “We are immensely proud to partner with World Rugby in hosting the Pacific Challenge back-to-back, which stands as a testament to our nation’s enduring commitment to rugby excellence. This remarkable occasion coincides with the celebration of Lakapi Samoa’s 100 years, a milestone marking a century of dedication, passion, and achievement in our beloved sport. As we prepare to welcome the defending champions, the Fiji Warriors, Japan XV, and Tonga A to Beautiful Samoa, we are honoured to showcase not only the exceptional talent on the field but also the rich cultural heritage and hospitality for which Samoa is renowned. I am confident that our very own Manuma Samoa will put on a great display of entertaining rugby alongside our visiting teams, allowing the world to witness a thrilling tournament. This momentous event promises to be a fitting tribute to our legacy and a vibrant celebration of rugby’s enduring spirit in Samoa.”
IDENTIFYING AND DEVELOPING FUTURE PACIFIC ISLANDS STARS
Players taking part in the Pacific Challenge 2024 will have a second motivation to perform as they look to convince World Rugby observers that they have the qualities necessary to make the prestigious Pacific Combine.
The week-long programme funded by World Rugby aims to identify the best talent in Oceania and accelerate their development through immersion in a high-performance environment, testing the players against World Rugby standards, with key areas of assessment spanning technical, tactical, physical and medical aspects of the game.
A selection of 25 high-potential players from the Pacific Islands will be undertaken by World Rugby observers and high-performance staff to make the Pacific Combine class of 2024, taking place in Apia directly after the Pacific Challenge (21-27 April).
Last year’s class of 2023 featured seven members of the victorious Fiji Warriors’ squad including flanker Isoa Tuwai who now plays for the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby. Only players from Tonga, Samoa and Fiji without a professional contract can be eligible for the World Rugby Pacific Combine.
This year’s combine will be supervised by experts providing a unique opportunity to experience first-class coaching and receive advice about the level of commitment, drive, discipline, and resilience required at the professional level.
World Rugby’s High-Performance Pathways and Player Development Manager Simon Raiwalui said: “Since its inception in 2018, the Pacific Combine has been a great asset to unearth the next generation of talent in the region. By providing access to world-leading coaches and strength and conditioning experts, we are preparing these aspiring stars so that they can perform in an elite environment, teaching them the expectations surrounding a professional rugby career, on and off the pitch.
“This programme fully funded by World Rugby has already proven successful with previous graduates involving Frank Lomani, and James Faiva among others, and I’m sure many of the class of 2024 will also move on to get professional contracts in Super Rugby Pacific or elsewhere.”
