All Black Pierce in Japan 'Aliens' side
SCOTT Pierce, one of the stars of New Zealand's 1992 Hongkong Sevens squad, will this year take part in the territory's premier international 10s event.
Pierce, the All Blacks' sole try-scorer in last year's 22-6 final defeat to Fiji, will be part of a Japanese ''Aliens'' side for the Carlsberg International 10s at Sports Road from March 25-26.
The dashing Pierce is one of several leading New Zealanders and other internationals who have moved to Japan to work and play rugby.
And he has been in touch with local 10s organisers in the hope of fielding an expatriate Japanese side at the 32-team event.
Organising chief Ian Thompson said: ''Scott has contacted us about sending a team from Japan.
''He is now in the process of getting players. There are some significant names, but it depends on their availability.'' Among the players targeted are former All Blacks Joe Stanley and Kevin Schuler.
Other New Zealanders currently working in Japan are Andrew McCormack, former Canterbury player Craig Philpott and Nigel Ward, formerly of North Harbour.
England captain Will Carling and his centre partner Jeremy Guscott are also being lured for the event as part of the strong White Hart Marauders side, who reached the final last year.
With England not sending a side to the Hongkong Sevens, from March 27-28, Carling, Guscott and fellow internationals Peter Winterbottom and Dewi Morris, are likely to be available to play in the 10s.
The tournament is already guaranteed a dash of quality and colour with the participation of the Scottish Survivors side, featuring former greats and recently retired Scottish internationals including Finlay Calder, Jim Renwick, Sean Lineen and Roger Baird.
Meanwhile, Hongkong 10s coach Whacker Payne has delayed naming his squad for the tournament until today.
''There are one or two places I need to confirm,'' he said.
''I was hoping to announce the squad earlier, but it is just a case of confirming availability.''
