Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has backed calls for the Pacific Islanders to be integrated into the Tri-Nations tournament.
”It is the way forward for them, there is no doubt at all about that,” said Jenkins, whose Welsh side take on the Islanders on Saturday.
”There is so much talent in those three islands it is incredible, but it has to be harnessed and managed and think this is the right profile for it.
”I think the Pacific Islands team warrants a place in a tournament and occasions like [Saturday’s match] will go a long way to helping their cause.”
The Islanders squad is made up of players from Samoa, Fiji and Tonga. They are also due to play Scotland and Ireland this month on what is only their second tour since an inaugural series against the Southern Hemisphere powers in 2004. – Sapa-AFP