Fiji lost 36-22 to Scotland last year

The International Rugby Board has give the green light for a combined Pacific Islanders team to play Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in 2004.

Fiji, Tonga and Samoa will also combine again for a tour of the northern hemisphere in 2005.

"It is exciting news for rugby in the Pacific," said Charlie Charters, chief executive of the Pacific Islanders Rugby Alliance (PIRA).

"It potentially represents a step into the big time for the countries of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga."

The Pacific Islanders team was set up to give players from the three individual nations more experience against high-profile rugby powerhouses.

"We have campaigned hard that the Islanders represents a crucial lifeline in the playing and commercial development of rugby in the Pacific," said Charters.

A formal schedule of matches will be confirmed at the IRB's next council meeting in November.