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AUSTRALIA's next generation of rugby players are to be given even greater exposure next year, with the International Rugby Board poised to announce the creation of a $25 million Pacific Six Nations tournament.
Australia 'A' will take on the Junior All Blacks, the Test teams of Japan, Samoa, Fiji and Tonga next June and July if, as expected, the IRB signs off on the ambitious project this month.
The IRB had been pushing for a round-robin tournament but it seemed likely there would be two pools of three with the pool winners playing in the final.
There is also a proposal that the Brumbies and the Western Force for content would play some of these teams as well (in non-tournament matches) and that there would also be a link between the island teams and Japan with the two franchises in terms of up-skilling their players and coaches.
Even though all present indications are the tournament final will be fought out between Australia A and the Junior All Blacks, that outcome is not guaranteed and the ARU intends locking in a match against the Junior All Blacks outside the Pacific Six Nations series.
We want Rugby and want it now!!!