The Samoa Rugby Union has formally endorsed the Asia Pacific Dragons to be the 18th Super Rugby team when the competition expands in 2016.
The two parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines how the Dragons will provide a meaningful pathway for Samoan rugby players if the bid is successful.
The Prime Minister and Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union,Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, thanked the Dragons for taking the initiative to open talks with the Samoa Union and says they now hope SANZAR gives the Singapore-based team the green light.
Argentina and South Africa have already been awarded new franchises for the proposed expansion however reports in the last few days suggest the rival Japanese bid has the upper hand over the Dragons.