Youth coaches from Fiji, Kiribati, and Tonga pose with other participants at the National Athletics Directors Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. [Photo Supplied]

A group of youth rugby coaches from Fiji, Tonga, and Kiribati are in the United States on the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Sports Visitors program.

The program is one way the U.S. Embassy demonstrates its commitment to a healthy, resilient, and educated Pacific Region.

This is according to Deputy Public Affairs Officer Will Romine.

The two-week program was in the cities of New Orleans, Houston, and Nashville.

During that time, the participants met with individuals and organizations dedicated to using sports as a vehicle for youth development.

In addition, the 13 coaches enjoyed a variety of American cultural experiences — including attending professional basketball and hockey games, visiting the NASA Space Center in Houston, and trying a variety of regional cuisines.

The program is a true exchange, as the youth coaches shared their best practices with their American counterparts, and generously gave pointers to the Houston SaberCats, a professional rugby team in the U.S.’s growing Major League Rugby union.