Pacific rugby team

The prospect of launching a Pacific side is being studied in New Zealand.

Kefu said Tongan professionals in Europe would be eager to ply their trade closer to home.

"More than 50 percent of my players are in Top14 in France and also the (England) competition. If we had a Super Rugby team here, we'd be able to keep a fair amount of our starting players right here in the Pacific," he said.

While there might be issues combining players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, Kefu said they could be easily overcome.

The team would be made up of players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, and would play in the Super Rugby competition.

Newshub has learned both New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Government have worked on the proposal, meaning a united 'Pacific Force' is now close to reality.

The feasibility study was carried out by Jeremy Curragh, a respected rugby commercial operative, and cost the taxpayer $80,000.

Under the plan, the team would be based in Suva, as Fiji is the biggest country. It would also play some 'home' games in Samoa, Tonga, Auckland and Sydney.