Tier one rugby nations urged to tour Pacific Islands

Tier one rugby nations are being urged to follow the lead of Scotland, Italy and Wales by touring the Pacific Islands.

The Scots were upset 27‑22 in Suva at the weekend, one week after they stunned Australia in Sydney.

Italy were also beaten in Suva this month while Wales edged Manu Samoa 19‑17 in Apia, a week after beating Tonga in Auckland, in a match originally scheduled for Nuku'alofa.

Flying Fijians coach John McKee said the feedback he received from the Scottish and Italian teams was encouraging.

McKee said hopefully strong showings against Six Nations teams will encourage more top nations to put the Pacific Islands on their calendar.

Italy have now toured Fiji on five occasions and Samoa twice, most recently in 2014.

Wales have played internationals in Samoa, Fiji and Tonga, while Scotland have won three of their four tests against the 'Ikale Tahi but, despite trips to Suva and Apia, have yet to visit Nuku'alofa.

Fiji has sealed tenth place on the World Rugby rankings with their victory over Scotland at the weekend, who slipped one place to fifth.