In the mean- time, the club will try to get exposure by playing in social or exhibition matches at the tournament championship next Friday and Saturday at Stanford University.

"They're already calling us," Livai said of Mainland teams looking for competition. "There are a lot of teams out there."

Livai said the defending national champion from Sacramento has agreed to play Kahuku in a social match.

Kahuku had petitioned for the tournament, hoping to be one of the four teams that represent the Pacific Rim, which includes California, Arizona and Hawai'i. But he realized it probably was too late. Hawai'i didn't crown its state champion until April 30, when Kahuku beat Waimea, a Big Island team, 10-6, at Kapi'o-lani Park.

Tuvili Tuisavura and Tevita Ofa scored "tries" — the equivalent of a football touchdown, but worth five points, instead of six — for Kahuku. Ofa's try came with less than two minutes left in the match. (There are two 35-minute halves in high school rugby.) Waimea took a 6-0 lead on two penalty kicks, which are worth three points each.

The event was not an official prep championship. Neither the state's five leagues nor the Hawai'i High School Athletic Association sanctioned the "state championship."

Kahuku's coaches are Inoke Finau and Taufa Latuselu (forwards); and Jobe Lewenilovo and Sione Tupola (back line). A committee that helps run the program includes Apolosi Lauhingoa, Timote Fotu, Viliami Tilini, Likitoni Kauvaka and Feleti Mataele. Livai said he just helps the program.

Kahuku has about 56 players in the rugby program, Livai said. But only 22 will travel to California. He said about half of the 56 play in the school's football program. Viliami Tilini Jr. is the team's captain.

Although this year was the first state championship, most of the Kahuku boys have been involved in rugby for years, Livai said.

"They grew up in a rugby community," Livai said. "They watched the men's league play at Kapi'olani Park."

Former Kahuku football and track sprinter Mike Palefau is on the USA Rugby men's national team. The 2000 Kahuku graduate, a 100-meter and 4x100-meter relay champion at the OIA championships that year, also is a cornerback for the Southern Utah football team.

"He didn't play (rugby) until he got to college," Livai said. "Rugby is big time in high school and college on the Mainland."

Talent isn't just limited to the North Shore. Hawai'i Prep senior Michael Kopra played for USA Rugby's under-19 (years-old) team, which competed in the World Cup in South Africa last month. He was the only Hawai'i player on the 26-member team.

"We got boys that can play," Livai said."

Other schools with rugby club teams are Farrington, Kaimuki, Waipahu and Kailua. Kahuku has two teams, Livai said. The Big Island has three teams. Livai said Maui is showing interest in participating.

Livai said even though his team will not be playing in the national tournament, he hopes its appearance in the social matches will give the team exposure to be considered for a berth for next year's tournament.

"We can be a No. 1 team in the nation with what we've got in the area," Livai said. "That's our goal."