Top Samoans change codes

Rugby League

Two leading Western Samoan rugby union players have defected to rugby league, giving credence to the prediction of the national coach, Bryan Williams, that the Pacific islands will see their teams ravaged by the new Super League.

Anitelea Aiolupo, the longest-serving Western Samoan, and Fata Sini, who scored two tries against England in the World Cup, have been appointed development officers by the Western Samoan Association. Both were top prospects for the Samoan tour of England and Scotland later this year.