Pacific tour for New Zealand divisional team
by Huw Turner
September 1, 2000

The NZRFU has announced that a side representing the country's second and third division NPC unions will make a tour of Samoa and Tonga in November.

A squad of 24 players is to be selected by Peter Thorburn and Earle Kirton although the coach has yet to be appointed.Both Thorburn and Kirton are current national selectors.

NZRFU chief executive David Rutherford explained that "by popular demand" the Divisional XV had been re-established.
"It recognises the contribution made to New Zealand rugby and the NPC by the 17 unions from which the selection will be made."

The tour takes place at the same time as the All Blacks will be touring France and Italy and appears to serve two purposes.Firstly, it gives players in the lower divisions an opportunity of international experience and secondly gives a boost to rugby development in Samoa and Tonga.The introduction of the Epson Cup has started to give the Pacific Rim countries a structure around which to build their game and they are sure to welcome any further opportunities to expose their players to international play.

The itinerary of the New Zealand divisional team is as follows :
Wed 15 Nov v Apia Regional Team, Apia
Sat 18 Nov v Samoa, Apia
Wed 22 Nov v Tonga, Nuku'alofa

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