 Former Northampton skipper Pat Lam will lead the Islanders |
The Pacific Islanders have named an experienced squad for their historic first tour of Britain and Ireland. The party includes players familiar to the Premiership like Leicester pair Henry and Alesana Tuilagi as well as London Irish wing Sailosi Tagicakibau.
The team will play Harlequins on 1 November before taking on Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
"I will be looking to these players to provide leadership both on and off the field," said head coach Pat Lam.
"There are a lot of experienced players in this team and I want them to do everything possible to make this tour a success."
Wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca, who was banned by Fiji for 12 months, is in the squad as is former Newcastle wing Epi Taione.
Taione quit Sale in February after receiving an 18-week ban for biting Munster's Denis Leamy in a Heineken Cup tie in January.
Cardiff Blues prop Taufa'ao Felise and Scarlets front-rower Deacon Manu are included, as are Worcester's Tevita Taumoepeau, Wasps lock Daniel Leo and Saracens duo Simon Raiwalui and Mosese Rauluni.
There are also several other players with experience of British rugby, including former Bridgend, Celtic Warriors, Harlequins and Cardiff Blues forward Maama Molitika, Semo Setiti (Cardiff Blues and Border Reivers) and Seremaia Bai (Cross Keys and Caerphilly).
The tour will also give British fans a chance to see players who are poised to move to the English Premiership.
Centre Seilala Mapusua is joining London Irish, prop Census Johnson has signed for Saracens while hooker Aleki Lutui is to join Worcester.
"Our brand of rugby is not seen enough in Europe," said Pacific Islanders Rugby Alliance chief executive Sakopo Lolohea.
"This opportunity will highlight Pacific Islands rugby to the European market and show that we can mix some of the best teams in the world."
The Pacific Islanders, a united Fiji, Samoa and Tonga team, played their first Test against Australia in 2004 but did not play last year.
Pacific Islanders squad: Deacon Manu (Fiji), Taufa'ao Felise (Tonga), Tevita Taumoepeau (Tonga), Census Johnson (Samoa), Aleki Lutui (Tonga), Mahonri Schwagler (Samoa), Simon Raiwalui (Fiji/captain), Daniel Leo (Samoa), Maama Molitika (Tonga), Isoa Domalailai (Fiji), Epi Taione (Tonga), Pila Vaki (Tonga), Semo Setiti (Samoa), Henry Tuilagi (Samoa), Aca Ratouva (Fiji), Nili Latu (Tonga), Mosese Rauluni (Fiji), Junior Polu (Samoa), Seremaia Bai (Fiji), Tasesa Lavea (Samoa), Seilala Mapusua (Samoa), Kameli Ratouva (Fiji), Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa), Lome Faatau (Samoa), Rupeni Caucau (Fiji), Alesana Tuilagi (Samoa), Norman Ligari (Fiji), Loki Crichton (Samoa).
Pacific Islanders tour itinery:
1 Nov: Harlequins
11 Nov: Wales
18 Nov: Scotland
26 Nov: Ireland