Ireland, March 25 -- Plans to create two Super Rugby franchises in the Pacific Islands could provide the "missing element" that allows Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to retain the region's best and brightest talent.

On Wednesday, World Rugby confirmed a financial and administrative package to support two new Super Rugby teams, the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika, from 2022.

The franchises, who will also be supported by their respective unions and private equity, will need to satisfy the financial criteria for entry to the competition, however, the development has been greeted with excitement by those involved.

Pacific Islanders make up around a quarter of all professional rugby players globally, yet those opportunities have until now been locate...