Manu Samoa is looking forward to testing themselves against some of the world's top club sides at the inaugural Brisbane Global Rugby 10s.
The tournament will be staged at Suncorp Stadium on February 11 and 12, and will run for the next four years.
Samoa is the only international team involved, alongside all ten New Zealand and Australian Super Rugby teams, the Bulls from South Africa, Panasonic Wild Knights from Japan and French giants Toulon.
Samoa Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai said they welcomed the opportunity to compete against some of the world's professional rugby clubs.
"We take the opportunity very seriously and certainly look forward to fielding our best available team," he said.
Manu Samoa head coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia said to be invited as a nation to participate in the tournament is a huge honour.
"We are grateful and appreciate the opportunity as we see this as an international global event in which elite professional teams and clubs will showcase their talents. We are excited and are very keen to do well in this tournament. We are looking forward to mixing it up with the major teams."
Former All Black teammates, Blues coach Tana Umaga and Manu Samoa coach Alama Ieremia. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Namulauulu said the 10s is another chance for Samoan players to press for higher honours and discussions are already underway about including top Manu Samoa players from overseas.
"Just going through a couple of regulations and investigating a few options around that...especially the sevens circuit would have had a break the weekend before so it does give us a lot of different options, in terms of the make-up of that team, which is exciting in itself. We'll just go through that process and see what is the best fit for the team." Namulauulu said.
"It lies right in the middle of a very important time for us. Obviously the sevens programme internationally for Samoa would have kicked off in that circuit. Not only that, the Samoa A programme (will be) getting ready for its March tournament, so that's ideal preparation as well, and obviously with the Manu Samoa in June that is an opportunity for us maybe a) bringing some of our international stars into that tournament and also b) where we actually look at some fresh new faces for that," he said.
"It's another pathway and another opportunity for Samoan players to put their hands up which is great for us."
Manu Samoa coach Alama Ieremia at the launch of the the Brisbane Global Rugby 10s. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Meanwhile Alama Ieremia will coach the Samoa A team against Counties Manakau in Auckland today.
"This is the platform for players in New Zealand and Australia to actually put their hands up. This three game campaign is obviously targeted towards that Samoa A programme in October and hopefully with players that can actually put their hand up for the end of year tour in November."
Samoa A will also take on Northland and the Auckland Samoans over the next week.
