'First Priority Should Be Samoa Or Tonga' - Pacific Rugby Players Choose Club Over Country
Kickoff: 8:05pm Friday, 18 July
Eden Park, Auckland
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Provincial pay cheques are continuing to cost the Pacific Islands their top talent.
Samoa kick off their international season against Scotland in Auckland on Friday night, however with some notable omissions from their line-up.
Miracle Faiilagi, Ereatara Enari, Danny Toala, Jonathan Taumateine, Lalomilo Lalomilo and Neria Fomai have all made themselves unavailable for the test, opting to focus on club commitments with the NPC kicking off on 31 July.
With NPC contracts worth more than what Samoa can offer, players are forced to choose club over country.
Samoa forward coach Census Johnston was disappointed by the snub, particularly on the back of Moana Pasifika's Super Rugby rise.
"It has been a bit of a subject at the moment, you think teams like Moana are there for to develop Samoan, and Tongan players, they should make themselves available and their first priority should be Samoa or Tonga."
However, Johnston understood the reasons behind the players opting to skip the Scotland test.
"They've got to make money for their families. But that's probably where we need to look at with World Rugby in terms of trying to make sure there is a bit more funding for those boys to make sure that they do choose country over club."
Samoan stalwart Rodney Iona said the squad had enough depth to compensate and said there was no ill-will toward the unavailable players.
"Obviously everyone's got their own reasons, but it's something that doesn't hurt the team. Boys will choose what they need to do and what they have to do whether it's family or whatever. The new boys that have come in and filled those spots are ready to go and I can see the keenness and throughout the week I felt like boys have stepped up and really taken on those roles. So, no hard feelings. Whatever the case is, it's all good. We've got boys that are representing the jersey now."
The situation is yet another setback for Pasifika rugby, with recent questions raised regarding the Moana Pasifika's financial future.
Johnston said Moana's demise would mark yet another significant blow to Pasifika rugby.
"I'm not in their camp, but I've had a couple of chats with everybody, they've done something really special this season and it'd be a shame for them to not be able to front up for the following season. I'm hoping they do pull through, but who knows?"
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