Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) has announced their 18 man squad for Saturday’s historic rugby league international against Solomon Islands in Mackay, Australia.

With 11 debutants, newly appointed Vanuatu Captain Samuela Loaloadravu said he was thrilled to be heading up a line-up of new talent.

“The new faces into the squad represent the increasing player pool available to the VRL.”

“It is terrific to see 8 Vanuatu based players gaining selection, several of whom toured this year for the Vanuatu-South Sea Invitational team.”

“I am excited and very proud to be captaining this side; especially against our brothers from the Solomon Islands in honour of 150 Year Anniversary of our Black Birded ancestors.”

Players returning to the national team that competed against Greece last year include Javarn White, Josh Tanner, Samuela Loaloadravu, Joe Meninga, Jason Pakoasongi, Ben Titoko and Kalpat Steedman.  Loaloadravu will take over the captains role in the absence of James Wood who has been ruled out due to injury. Melbourne Storm flyer Justin O’Neill and Alehana Mara (NZ Warriors) have also been ruled out due to injury.

The full team for Saturdays international against Solomon Islands is:

1. Javarn White

2. Alex Phillip

3. Jason Pakoasongi

4. Alex Marango

5. Sweeney Sablan

6. Rob Franklin

7. Joshua Tanner

8. Sam Pierce

9. Anthony Delaivuna

10. Kalpat Steedman

11. Joey Meninga

12. Ben Titoko

13. Samuela Loaloadravu

14. Robbie Congoo

15. Tonny Lui

16. Geoffrey Kausei

17. Jean-Pierez Kenie

18. Erick Tosusu

Coach: David Simpson

Those attending the game are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets before the game through Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre by siting in person (Alfred Street, Mackay), calling on +61 7 4961 9777 or online at www.mackayecc.com.au. Tickets can also be purchased at the ground at Virgin Australia Stadium on the day from 3.00pm, with the first of three matches at 4pm with the test match set to commence at 6.30pm.

Follow the Vanuatu Rugby League Facebook page to be kept up to date with the latest team news.

Mackay has rolled out the red carpet in anticipation of the historic Vanuatu Rugby League versus Solomon’s Islands showdown.

The Vanuatu team – flying in from all over Australia and the Pacific – have commenced a week long training camp under new Vanuatu Head Coach David Simpson.

Mr Simpson said the excitement was building in the air “the South-Sea Island population in Mackay is giving this historic showdown an extra edge.”

“This is only Vanuatu’s second international test match and Solomon’s first – so we’re hoping for a big crowd on Saturday night in what should be a great game against the Solomon Islands.”

Mr Simpson also said the lead up had been ideal “I couldn’t be happier with how we have prepared to date. It is amazing how quickly the Vanuatu squad comes together as a team.”

“I am very confident we’ll be super competitive against a very experienced Solomon Islands side”.

Up to 11 players could make their International debut for Vanuatu on Saturday, including six of the players from local leagues in Port Vila and Santo.

Elder statesman of the team and man blong Tongoa Jason Pakoasongi was happy with the team’s preparation and reception of fans in Mackay.

“All the boys are enjoying working under new coach David Simpson and we are all hoping to be part of this historical side.”

“Let’s just say whoever makes the final squad will have really earnt it”.

Those attending the game are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets before the game through Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre by siting in person (Alfred Street, Mackay), calling on +61 7 4961 9777 or online at www.mackayecc.com.au. Tickets can also be purchased at the ground at Virgin Australia Stadium on the day from 3.00pm, with the first of three matches at 4pm with the test match set to commence at 6.30pm.

Follow the Vanuatu Rugby League Facebook page to be kept up to date with the latest team news. A big thanks to Air Vanuatu for sponsoring the international flights.

Partners recommit to VRL

Law Partners Vanuatu has become the latest sponsor to re-commit to the Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) for the upcoming international series.

Law Partners Principle Jonathan Law said “Law Partners are proud to continue sponsoring the VRL in 2013 following a very successful inaugural match against Greece in 2012.”

“Vanuatu is a special team of talented players and we can only foresee more success for the VRL in 2013 and onwards”.

With 2 major internationals being played in October, this is a significant boost for the VRL with preparations well and truly in the advanced stages. As part of the new agreement, Law Partners will again occupy the collar of the Vanuatu national rugby league team jersey, along with prominent signage on the training and leisure apparel.

VRL President Tom Carlo stated “We have had a great association with Jonathan and his team over the past 18 months.”

“We know the players are training exceptionally hard at present in preparation for the games in October. We hope to make Vanuatu and our sponsors like Law Partners proud.”

The Vanuatu national rugby league side is due to take on Solomon Islands in Mackay, Australia on October 5th and then return to Vanuatu to take on Niue in Port Vila. Tickets for the game against Niue will go on sale at the start of October, with tickets for the Mackay game now on sale through Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre www.mackayecc.com.au

Iconic Ni Vanuatu business comes on board two years running

Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) has welcomed the re-signing of iconic The Kava Emporium as Gold Sponsor for the 2013-14 international seasons.

Vanuatu Rugby League President Tom Carlo said he was excited to have a home grown business as a key sponsor.

“This is good news for the VRL and we have valued The Kava Emporium’s eagerness to align with the VRL over the past 18 months.”

An inaugural sponsor of the Vanuatu national team in 2012, The Kava Emporium has seen significant brand awareness and sales as a result of the partnership with the VRL and will again adorn the playing and training apparel of the Vanuatu national team.

The Kava Emporium General Manager Rosella Hakwa said they were delighted to support the VRL.

“We have had a great relationship with the VRL and we are happy to recommit our sponsorship for another 12 months. The Kava Emporium is a flagship shop in Port Vila”.

The 2 game series in October, which will see Vanuatu play Solomon Islands in Mackay, Australia on Saturday 5th October and then the home international against Niue in Port Vila on Saturday 12th October, represents another significant opportunity for the VRL to showcase The Kava Emporium as a brand and also the products.
The Kava Emporium have been a proud stockist of Vanuatu national rugby league merchandise and will continue this relationship with the VRL by selling jerseys, t-shirts, singlets and polo’s at their Port Vila store.

Tickets for the Port Vila game will go on sale in the coming weeks while tickets for the Mackay game are currently on sale through Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre www.mackayecc.com.au

For more information on The Kava Emporium, visit www.thekavaemporium.com

The Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) has welcomed the announcement of Westpac as the official VRL Platinum Sponsor.

The announcement of the twelve month deal was held at the Westpac Port Vila branch at the end of August where Westpac staff mingled with the Vanuatu national rugby league squad.

VRL President Tom Carlo said “It is great to be able to have Westpac support the VRL and we believe that our brand will continue to soar given this announcement.”

“Thanks to the team at Westpac for the tremendous assistance and welcome to the Vanuatu Rugby League team for 2013-14.”

Westpac Vanuatu Regional General Manager Jeff Byrne stated “it is great to be part of the journey of rugby league in Vanuatu”.

“The launch has certainly created a great buzz for our staff and general public who witnessed the new jerseys being unveiled”.

Westpac have committed to sponsor the VRL for the upcoming 2 matches that the national team are to play against Solomon Islands (October 5th in Mackay, Australia) and against Niue (October 12th at Municipal Stadium, Port Vila), as well as test matches that are being planned by the VRL for early/mid-2014.

The new playing, training and leisure apparel will be available for the general public to purchase over the coming week with details to be posted on the VRL’s Facebook page and this website