The Solomon Islands National Rugby Team was presented with two new training balls by the Commander of the RAMSI PPF, Denis McDermott, on Friday.

The team has been training for the past eight weeks with the assistance of three New Zealand PPF Advisors in preparation for the South Pacific Rugby Tournament in New Caledonia later this month. "The work put in by the team and the coaching staff has been tremendous," Commander McDermott said.

"I wish you all the best for the forthcoming tournament in New Caledonia."
In addition to the balls, a training jersey was presented to the most improved player, Captain of the team, Golden Kiloko.

PPF Advisor, Dave Harvey, who has a background in refereeing rugby games and who has been assisting the team, said that the PPF had also arranged for training materials such as DVDs and coaching manuals to be sent to the team from the New Zealand Rugby Union. "Working with the coaches and players has been a very positive and rewarding experience," Dave Harvey said. "Their skill has most certainly improved."

The Coach of the Solomon Islands National Rugby Team, Eddie Soaki, who is also a police officer, said that the players really appreciated the assistance provided to them by the New Zealand PPF members. "I want to thank RAMSI for the very good work they are doing in the community," he said.

Also assisting in the training are PPF Advisors, Adrian Kerin, from Auckland in New Zealand, and Braydon Lenihan, from Wellington.
The team will leave for New Caledonia on 23 November.