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By Alex Goff (Lofi Fuatogi on the charge for the Islanders)
The Hawaii Islanders lead the pack in the newly expanded Hawaiian club competition. After three matches in Round 1 of the two-half season, the Islanders are the only team at 3-0.
Led by hard-charging No. 8 Fatu Atuaia and Toa Fa'ali in the backs, the Islanders are looking to secure a semifinal place by winning the first half.
"It's been a team effort," said player-coach Lofi Fuatogi.
Eight teams are competing this season: the Islanders, the Hawaii Harlequins, Hawaii Pacific University, Maris Hawaii, University of Hawaii, Kalihi Raiders, Laie Rhinos, and Tama Laie Lions.
All teams have been CIPPd with USA Rugby and Fuatogi said the next stage is to find a way for Hawaiian clubs to enter the national club playoffs at some level.
"We're really happy we have so much more participation," said Fuatogi. "We want to compete, and we'd like our championship team to be able to play in a regional playoff."
As it is, they are looking to attract some touring clubs or select sides to the Islands.
"It's tough to travel until we start to get more funding, but if someone comes here, we'll take care of them, and we'll give them a good game," said Fuatogi. "And then maybe the national team coaches can come out here and see the talent we have out here."
Hawaii has produced some national team players, notably Mike Palefau and Tomasi Takau. Pate Tuilevuka played with BYU-Hawaii before transferring to the mainland, USA Club 7s MVP Peter Sio played in Hawaii, and of course current USA 7s player Leonard Peters was a star football player at UH.
The Islanders hope to keep their undefeated record with a match this weekend against Hawaii Pacific.
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