Discussions to be held in Japan on improving the plight of countries such as Fiji, Tonga and Samoa at RWC

The head of the body representing Pacific region rugby players will fly to Japan today for crucial talks about improving the plight of those from countries such as Fiji,

Tonga and Samoa who have failed to make an impact in the Rugby World Cup.

Tonga and former quarter-finalists Samoa have already missed out on a place in the last eight this time, and defeat to Wales today would put Fiji out of the tournament by the time Pacific Rugby Players union chief Aayden Clarke arrives for meetings in Tokyo with governing body World Rugby.

New Zealander Clarke is looking for significant changes to the regulations on the availability of players for national teams and on switching nationalities.

Clarke says at the core of many issues is the fact that the players do not get paid well for playing for their country.

He says twenty percent of the professional players across the globe are of Pacific descent. 

He says the Pacific island players will remain a feature of the game across the world and for the sake of rugby, they also need the countries they come from such as

Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa to be competitive. 

Meanwhile, Fiji Airways Flying Fijians will play Wales at 9.45 tonight.

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