Samoa was not dropped, Duco says

By Staff Writer 08 December 2017, 12:00AM

Samoa has not been “dropped” from next year’s Brisbane Global Tens. Rather the decision to exclude the men in blue is the result of the decision to rotate international invitational teams.

This is the explanation from the Chief Executive Officer of Duco Australia, Rachael Caroll, to questions from the Weekend Observer.

The exclusion of Samoa and the inclusion of Fiji had raised eyebrows on these shores when the draw for the tournament was released.

But Ms. Caroll assured there was no ulterior motive behind the decision.

“The format of the Brisbane Global Tens involves the rotation of international invitational teams,” she said. “Samoa competed in the 2017 tournament, as did others such as The Bulls from South Africa. These teams are not involved in the 2018 event, however this year we have other new teams such as Fiji and Pau from France.

“Whilst Samoa is not competing the 2018, the S.R.U and Duco Events are already in positive discussions regarding Samoa’s participation in future years of the Tournament”

Ms. Carroll added that Duco Events has a great relationship with Samoa and the Samoa Rugby Union.

Pressed if the Samoa Rugby Union was consulted prior to the draw being made, Duco through Media and PR Manager, Steve Deane, insisted that they have a “very good relationship with S.R.U” and are “already in talks about future participation at the event.”

“It’s also important to note that Samoa was not ‘dropped’ from the event.

The invitational places are intended to rotate each year to keep the event fresh, which is why we have Pau and Fiji playing in 2018. Along with Samoa, the Bulls and Toulon are not returning in 2018. Much like Samoa, we certainly remain open to them returning in future years.”

By Staff Writer 08 December 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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