The small Pacific nation of Niue is set to compete at Wellington's NZI Sevens next month for the first time since 2006.
Niue's involvement is all the more poignant given the country's ongoing recovery from a natural disaster four years ago. Last time Niue competed in Wellington the street parade helped raise funds for their community, which had been hit so heavily and with such devastating consequences by cyclone Heta.
Heta, a category 5 cyclone, reached hurricane strength on New Year's Day 2004 and built up wind speeds of 250 kilometres per hour before tearing across the island of Niue, destroying the capital village Alofi and laying waste to many other communities.
Since its independence in 1974, Niue has been self-governing in free association with New Zealand, and benefits from a close relationship and considerable financial support from the larger country.
To prevent over-population most Niueans also choose to live in Auckland, including many of the rugby players, meaning that the Wellington event offers the perfect opportunity to showcase their proud cultural identity, while at the same time offering thanks to their country of residence.
A sea of support
“The team is delighted to be returning in 2009," said national Sevens coach Roderick Tagelagi.
"The support the team received last time was a major reason why our players enjoy playing in Wellington so much.”
Niue last featured in the Wellington tournament in February 2006 as part of the 2005/06 IRB Sevens World Series, and also competed the previous year.
In 2006 they almost beat France in their pool and only just lost out to Scotland (14-12) in the Bowl quarter final and mighty Tonga (21-14) in the semi final of the Shield.
Plum draw
This year the Niueans face the daunting prospect of taking on the hosts in Pool B, as well as Australia and Wales. After missing out to South Africa in the first two events of the 2008/09 season in Dubai and George, New Zealand will derive extra motivation from a home title defence at the Westpac on 6 and 7 February.
“The draw looks to offer some great rugby action for fans and adds to the excitement in the build up to our 10th anniversary NZI Sevens," said NZI Sevens General Manager Steve Walters.
"We're also excited to welcome back Niue and I am sure the fans will support their return.”
Pool A is headed by the South Africans, who have a maximum 40 Series points after those opening two rounds of the IRB Sevens World Series - 12 more than New Zealand. England and Fiji, who are the top seeds in Pool C and D respectively in Wellington, both have 24 points so far.
