The Flying Fijians with villagers of Somosomo village in Taveuni after their Sunday service on 2 July 2023. Photo: FRU media
The Pacific's three star-studded Rugby World Cup-bound teams are in camp at home as they look to build cohesion before they head to France.
Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are all booked in for the world's top rugby tournament which kicks off in early September.
Before that the trio have the Pacific Nations Cup series, from July 22, and a series of Test matches to follow.
Having named squads that include star international players who have previously played for the All Blacks and the Wallabies, plus selections of Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua players from the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific series, the countries can have some confidence for the cup.
'We want to be seen' says Fiji coach
Fiji's Flying Fijians squad started their preparations at Welagi village on the island of Taveuni, a few hours sail out of Fiji's second largest island Vanua Levu.
That's in Fiji's Northern Division and home to some key players in the squad, including Europe-based centre Semi Radradra, halfback Frank Lomani and Drua flyer Selestino Ravutaumada.
Head coach Simon Raiwalui, a former Flying Fijians captain in his own right, said taking the players to the island would help the team bond.
Raiwalui said the quality of the squad has risen to another level with the players selected.
"The integration of the Drua has given us a good mix with the best of Europe and the best of the Drua," Raiwalui told FijiLive on Monday.
"It is always going to be a challenge integrating that. Part of the journey is taking ourselves back from the comforts of the Grand Pacific Hotel and Albert Park and not being seen.
"We want to be seen, we want to be exposed, we want to be part of the community. Allowing that connection with our players, them with each other and with the staff, I am adamant we can get the job done," he added.
The squad, which includes 18 Drua players and former All Black Setareki Tamanivalu, is expected to move back to the main island Viti Levu at the end of the week to continue their preparations.
Samoa Prime Minister, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa, and the Hon. Minister of Education, Sports, and Culture, Seuula Ioane Tuaau, attended a service (faigalotu) with The Manu Samoa team on Monday, 03 July 2023 at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel. Photo: Samoa Government
PM wishes Manu Samoa well
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has wished the Manu Samoa squad all the best as they started camp in Apia at the weekend.
Mata'afa and the Minister of Education, Sports, and Culture, Seuula Ioane Tuaau, attended a faigalotu (service) with the Manu Samoa team at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, where the team is based.
"I wish you all the best and pray for your safety, first and foremost, and may you have a successful campaign. Win or lose, you are our team," she said.
Head coach Seilala Mapusua has named four former All Blacks and a former Wallaby in his squad, among several Europe-based and Moana Pasifika players.
Former All Blacks Lima Sopoaga, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua and Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, have all been picked, along with former Wallaby Christian Leali'ifano.
Mapusua told RNZ Pacific that although the squad looks strong on paper they needed time to gel and gain game time together.
Manu Samoa will meet Japan in Sapporo Hokkaido on July 22 for their opening PNC game before hosting Fiji on July 29 and then Tonga on August 5.
Ikale Tahi Coach Toutai Kefu and his staff prepare for team arrival and Tonga Camp July 2023. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Tongan celebration
The 'Ikale Tahi squad members started arriving in Nuku'alofa days before their July 1 camp and started community visits as part of their home preparations.
Head coach Toutai Kefu has a week to ready his side before they meet Australia A in a special celebration match on July 14 at Te'ifaiva Park in Nuku'alofa.
That game is part of the Tonga Rugby Union's 100th year celebrations and also marks the 50th anniversary of Tonga beating the Wallabies in 1973.
Tongan Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who is also President of the Tongan Rugby Union, led a delegation to the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa to seek King Tupou VI's blessings for the team.
Kefu told RNZ Pacific that the inclusion of former Australian and New Zealand internationals like Israel Folau, Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau, George Moala, Lopeti Tamani, Vaea Fifita, Augustine Pulu and Adam Coleman brings experience and Test rugby knowledge to the squad.
A handful of Moana Pasifika players are also in the squad.
"The camp gives us an opportunity to work together on team bonding and building the team. We have the game on July 14 before the Pacific series," Kefu said.
Tonga flies to Lautoka in Fiji for their first Test - against the Flying Fijians on July 22 before flying to Japan the week after and then to Apia for the Test against Manu Samoa on August 5.
They have been paired with Ireland, South Africa, Scotland and Romania in Group B; Fiji face a slightly easier pool comprising Australia, Wales, Georgia and Portugal in Group C; and Samoa have the unenviable task of trying to get past England, Argentina, Japan and Chile in Group D.
