Asia Pacific Tournament moves to next phase

An International Rugby Board (IRB) sponsored meeting in Brisbane has concluded with broad agreement on the way forward for an Asia Pacific Rugby tournament.

The discussions involved the IRB, the Australian Rugby Union, the Japanese Rugby Union, the national Unions of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, plus Australia's four Super 14 provinces.

IRB Rugby Services Manager Mark Egan said there was a positive approach from all the parties and the meeting's deliberations will now go before the IRB's Executive Committee.

"While this group today is not a decision making body, there was agreement on all the fundamental issues that allows us to take the concept to the next level. There does however remain a range of issues to contend with before such a concept becomes a reality."

"There is IRB funding available for the development of high performance infrastructure and cross border competitions for Tier Two countries, such as Japan, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga."

"Importantly this group showed a good understanding of each other's circumstances and reached agreement on some key issues.

• The critical need for an Asia Pacific Tournament to support the development of Tier Two Unions.
• A June /July tournament window.
• A six to seven week timeframe, evolving to a longer tournament.
• A residential playing roster from each of the participants.
• Played mainly in Australia with games also in Japan, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
• Starting in 2006

Mr Egan said a formal presentation to the IRB Executive Committee (EXCO) was likely in August , but a preliminary report would be provided to EXCO in Wellington (NZ) this Thursday.

"The IRB recognises that both Japan and the Pacific Islands nations need the resources to improve the daily training environment of their elite players through the development of high performance programs and then to play in a robust competition.

"Today's discussions have provided some options and the Australian Rugby Union should be congratulated for their assistance in exploring these opportunities. But I do need to stress these remain early days."

Mr Egan said that all the parties will continue to work through a range of outstanding issues including commercial considerations, a draft draw and venues prior to EXCO's consideration of the concept in August.