Source:RNZ

Pacific names will be reeled off by commentators in games that don’t even involve the three Pacific teams with a welter of Pacific heritage players included in several squads for the forthcoming World Cup – from Romania to Japan.

Some of those stars could even feature against one of the three island teams – Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

One does not have to look further than the All Blacks, whose ranks include Tongans Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tupou Vaa’i and Shannon Frizell in the forweard line; and Richie Mo’unga, David Havili and Leicester Fainga’anuku in the backline.

Those with Samoan links include Nepo Laulala, Ardie Savea, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke and Mark Telea, while Emoni Narawa is a Fijian.

Narawa is the newest Fijian to join the ABs ranks after coming to New Zealand to further his studies and play rugby.

The Wallabies also have a fair selection of players with Pacific heritage.

This includes Fijians Rob Valetini, Lani Gleeson, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Suliasi Vunivalu.

There is no lacking the Tongan influence either with big Taniela Tupou and Lalakai Foketi plus the Samoan links through Jordan Uelese, Rob Leota and Jordan Petaia.

Leitch back for a fourth World Cup

Michael Leitch, who’s mother is Fijian, returns to France for his fourth Rugby World Cup campaign in the Japanese colours.

Leitch (below, right) leads a Brave Blossoms team that has a number of Pacific Islanders including Tongans Sione Halasili, Asaeli Ai Valu, Amanaki Saumaki, Amato Fakatava, Lomano Lemeki, Siosaia Fifita plus Fijians Semisi Masirewa and Jone Naikabula.

The Pacific influence is strong in Europe, even in countries where football is the main sport. Second tier side Romania will not lack in Pacific influence with their squad including Tangimana Fonovai, Jason Tomane, Tevita Manumua, Hinckley Vaovasa and Paul Popoaia. They are all eligible due to being resident and playing in the Balkan nation.

Italy has named three Pacific Islanders in their Rugby World Cup squad.

Tongans Epalahame Faiva and Toa Halafihi are in the forwards line while former Melbourne Rebel Super Rugby winger Samoan, Monty Ioane, is in the backline.

The trio are expected to play big roles in the Italians campaign in Pool A of the event, where they will face France, New Zealand, Namibia and Uruguay.