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The Virgin Blue Islanders will have extra motivation when they line up for the inaugural Gold Coast International Sevens this weekend.

The Samoan based team has promised to provide as much support as possible for the victims of the recent tsunami which has caused so much devastation and loss of life back home. They announced that any prizemoney they win, which includes a $20,000 reward to the winners, will be donated to the Tsunami Appeal.

The two-day Rugby extravaganza has attracted 16 men’s teams from around Australia and the Pacific Islands and five women’s teams.

The side will be spearheaded by Sevens legend Ben Gollings, who has been the mainstay of the England Sevens teams over the last decade in the IRB Sevens Series.

Five-time World Cup legend Brian Lima is also in the side and will be looking to make some trademarks hits that has earnt him the nickname "The Chiropractor". He is joined by rising Samoan star Morgan Salesea.

Gollings, who is the IRB 7s all time leading points scorer, has been one of the driving forces behind getting the tournament to the Gold Coast.

“The Gold Coast has everything Sevens represents – it’s a fun place, it’s sport loving, it’s got fantastic beaches and it’s a destination people want to come to,” said Gollings.

“And to have the Samoan boys here thanks to Virgin Blue is very special indeed – they love their rugby and each and every one of them have in some way been affected by the tragedy of the tsunami.

“The prizemoney they win will all go to the tsunami appeal which is a great gesture but one that is very close to their hearts.”

The Virgin Blue Islanders are not the only players to raise awareness for the troubles back home through Sevens, with Trevor Leota and other players fundraising at various events around the globe too.

Gollings said anyone coming to Albert Park this weekend will not be disappointed what they find.

“It is going to be a lot of fun – Rugby 7s is a game based on speed and agility and to be able to showcase the game on the Gold Coast so soon after it has been added to the Olympics is fantastic,” said Gollings.

“In the men I think you have to look out for the Samoan Virgin Blue Islanders, the Australian boys at home, the South Sea Island Drifters and even Papua New Guinea with “the wizard” Waisale Serevi in charge of their preparation,” said Gollings.

“The women’s tournament will see the star studded Sydney Women start favourite with Wallaroos combination of captain Cheryl Soon, IRB Player of the Year Debby Hodgkinson and recent addition Kristy Giteau, sister of Wallaby Matt in their team.”