For many Japanese people, the island of Guam conjures up images of duty-free shopping, cheap golf courses and unequaled diving around the reefs that surround this Pacific island.
However, for a growing number of rugby enthusiasts in Japan, this American territory is home to the True Grit Tens, which took place this year on Feb. 9-10.
Now in its fifth year, the tournament was, according to Andy Boyd, President of Guam Rugby Club Inc., "originally set up to allow the local players and general public exposure to the great game of rugby," and this year's tournament more than achieved that aim.
Ross Morrison, one of the tournament organizers, said, "The final this year was probably the best game of rugby ever seen on the island. I had some American friends with me and their kids were buzzing after the game."
Sponsored by Budweiser and a number of other companies based on the island, the tournament attracts teams from all over Asia and Oceania and gives club players a wonderful opportunity to play against and socialize with players from other walks of life in an ideal touring environment.
This year saw eight teams take part -- four from Japan, one each from South Korea and Saipan and two from the host island. Two further teams from New Zealand and Hong Kong (which provided two of the referees) were supposed to come but the fall-out from Sept. 11 meant they were unable to tour.
The four teams from Japan were the Sumitomo Samuraiz, the Tsunami Teetotallers, the Acorn Club and the Zenkai Beers.
The Samuraiz included a number of players from Tamariba, the national club champion of Japan; the Teetotallers are a touring team based in Kobe that included a mixture of ex-pats working in Japan and Japanese players, while the Acorn and Zenkai teams are club teams based in Toyko.
All four teams were based in Tumon Bay, and the Teetotallers, keen to do well in their first tournament, were even seen training on the beach located a minute from the hotel. However, rugby traditionalists shouldn't worry too much as there was an icebox close by full of the amber nectar that is such an essential part of every rugby tour.
The Friday night saw the meet and greet and the draw for the competition -- though having such an event poolside was asking for trouble -- before a number of players adjoined to the various bars and "cultural dancing" establishments on the island.
However, in these politically correct days it was also noticeable that a number of players had brought their families with them -- keen to enjoy all that the island has to offer.
The opening two games saw Sumitomo defeat Guam 31-0 and Tsunami beat the holders Saipan 12-0 in a rugged encounter and most people were soon talking of a final between the Samuraiz and the Teetotallers -- and so, by Sunday evening, it proved to be.
Having watched the Seoul Survivors beat Guam 21-0 to take the Dick Pacific Plate, the large crowd was treated to a classic final between the young, fit Samuraiz (many of whom had attended some of the top rugby playing universities in Japan) and the more experienced Teetotallers.
In the end, age and a lack of reserves took its toll on the Teetotallers (most of whom had played every minute of every game in 30 C heat) and the Samuraiz ran out deserved winners 21-10 to pick up the Budweiser Cup with their gallant opponents receiving the Glimpses of Guam Plate.
After the awards ceremony there was an island fiesta with the correct version of culture dancing before all the players retired to take on the liquid they had lost during the course of two hard but enjoyable days of rugby.
Local press and TV coverage assured that even more people were aware of the game and it is hoped that next year's tournament will be even bigger and better.
However, as Morrison was keen to point out, "We want to keep this as a club event for grass-roots players. We don't want the professional teams coming over as with other Asian tournaments. Eight to 16 teams, and if we keep getting finals like this year the sport can only keep developing on the island."
The Guam Rugby Club has come a long way and has done a great deal to encourage local players to take up the game but it is well aware that more can be done.
The club hopes to develop two further fields and install floodlights and there is a possibility that future tournaments will be played in the evenings in order to attract more spectators and save the players from the midday sun.
The club is also hoping to attract Japanese corporate teams to the island, in the same way that many pro baseball teams set up preseason camps on Guam.
With its rich cultural legacy, spectacular natural beauty and turquoise and tranquil seas, the island was always worth a visit. But with a great field, well-run tournament and superb hosts, Guam really is a must-do for every rugby player based this side of the world.