Daniel Leo

Pacific Island Rugby records increase in players this season

Former Samoa Captain and CEO of Pacific Rugby Players Welfare, Daniel Leo said the club has been getting interests from players from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Wallis & Futuna and the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

“The club took with them the ‘island spirit’ to the host clubs, both on and off the rugby field and making many friends along the way,” he said.

Leo also said the event was the Surrey Rugby- Foundation President’s Final between the Pacific Islanders Rugby Club and Kew Occasionals RFC.

Player release still a problem for smaller rugby nations

Earlier this year former Manu Samoa lock Daniel Leo said Pacific Island players face losing up to 40 percent of their salary from club teams by opting to play in the World Cup.

Leo and fellow Samoa veteran Census Johnston announced their retirements from test matches earlier this year.

Unlike tier one nations, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga don't have the funds to compensate clubs, often forcing players to choose between money and country.