THE Northland Rugby Union has urged its affiliated clubs to participate in its 7s tournament in Korovou this Friday and Saturday, if they are to compete at the Vancouver Tiqavia next month.
Only six teams will qualify from this week's tournament. NRU official Percy Lord said they wanted 20 Northland affiliated clubs to be part of the Tiqavia tournament.
"I am urging the clubs to be part of this tournament in Korovou. If they want to take part in the Vancouver tournament and try their bid on the $10,000 prizemoney, then they should go through this tournament," he said.
Nasolo, Caucau, Natakali, Vatuvure, Veiyasana Babas and Naimasi were the six teams that qualified from the Korovou zone last month.
Senivaivai, Mosquito, Bure, Matanakilagi, Wainuqa Young Boys and Inter-Cities Wainuqa qualified from the Wainibuka zone.
The winner of the Vancouver 7s will walk away with $10,000. Only 32 teams would compete at the event.
"The top six teams from this zone will qualify for the Vancouver 7s. Already 12 teams have booked their spots but our aim is to have 20 of our clubs competing at the Vancouver tournament. If not then we will open the registrations to outside teams.
"We have limited time and I am urging all Northland affiliated clubs to be part of the tournament. It will be for their own good," he said.
This week's tournament was initially scheduled to be played at the Queen Victoria School grounds in Nukuvuto.