The Pacific Islands have become accustomed to losing many of their best players to other nations due to migration and economic factors.
With Samoa seriously stuggling financially, now is an appropriate moment to look at other stars the Pacific Islands missed out on.
Here is a XV selected from all the current players eligible to play for Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea, including those playing for Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales.
The islanders miss their exiled world-class players, but put them all together, and this would be a side able to match the best in the world.
Fullback: TELUSA VEAINU (Tonga)
Joining Leicester Tigers directly from the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Tonga international Veainu ended his first season as the supporters’ Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. Quick, elusive and strong, Veainu won his first cap in the 2015 Pacific Nations before starting all four games for Tonga in the World Cup that year.
Wing: WAISAKE NAHOLO (New Zealand)
A formidable linebreaker, Naholo realised the potential he evidenced at a young age, with speed, power and x-factor well-suited to modern rugby. Born in Fiji, he made his All Blacks debut against Argentina in 2015 before becoming an integural member of the squad, winning the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
Centre: TEVITA KURIDRANI (Australia)
Kuridrani was born in , but has become a world-class centre representing Australia, winning 55 caps to date. With a move to Sale reported, it would be great to see the powerhouse doing his thing in the Aviva Premiership.
Centre: MANU TUILAGI (England)
Born in Samoa, Manu Tuilagi came through the age groups with England, and in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Tuilagi, when fit, is one of the most dangerous ball carriers in world rugby.
Wing: NIKI GONEVA (Fiji)
He was a star man at Leicester and has took no time to become fan favourite up at Newcastle Falcons. His power, pace and ability to break through tackles makes him one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe today.
Fly-half: RICHIE MO'UNGA (New Zealand)
The fly-half, who could play for Samoa, played for the Barbarians against the all Blacks last weekend and is tipped to become one of the worlds best.
Scrum-half: WILL GENIA (Australia)
Born in Papua New Guinea, Genia has been one of the best scrum-halves in the world. His eye for a gap sets him apart from almost every other scrum-half in the game.
Prop: MAKO VUNIPOLA (England)
His father, Fe’ao, and two of his uncles represented Tonga. Born in New Zealand, grew up in Wales but educated in England and the Saracens prop made his international debut for the Red Rose in 2012. He's now considered one of the best loosehead's in the world.
Hooker: MOTU MATU'U (Samoa)
Prop: HALANI ANULIKA (Tonga)
Lock: WILL SKELTON (Australia)
The 6'8" lock, who could of played for Samoa, weighs 135 kilograms and scored a try on debut against France last month. He is a star in the making.
Lock: LEONE NAKARAWA (Fiji)
A rampaging second row with basket-ball style handling skills, Nakarawa embodies all that we love about Fijian rugby. A clip of the match-winning try in a qualifier against Pacific rivals Tonga sums up the former Glasgow favourite’s ability.
Flanker: TAULUPE FALETAU (Wales)
Tongan-born back-rower Faletau has been one of Wales’ most consistent performers since his debut in 2011. His game is underpinned by a tireless work ethic, which enables him to play a crucial role carrying his team forward and making tackles in defence.
Flanker: JEROME KAINO (New Zealand)
Hailing from American Samoa, Kaino is a versatile back rower who was for the 2011 IRB World Player of the Year award and was 2011 All Black Player of the Year. Excellent at the ruck and in defence, Kaino relishes contact at close-quarters, but his hands make him an asset in attack.
Number 8: BILLY VUNIPOLA (England)
orn in Australia to Tongan parents, . After a stint in Wales, Vunipola is now an established England international. The spearhead ofEddie Jones mens surge to successive Six Nations titles, injury robbed Vunipola junior of a tilt at Lions glory this summer. The Saracen is a fearsome carrying force and still only 24.
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