TRADITIONAL AVA OF WELCOME : President of the Marist St. Joseph’s Sports Club, Lemalu John Lemisio, welcomes the turnout of International players and officials to Samoa
By Staff Writer
Fresh kava greeted the 9th Marist Touch Tournament overseas players, officials and supporters this morning.
For newcomers to Samoa it was their first taste of home culture practised also by our close neighbours Tonga and Fiji.
Tournament organisers greeted the visitors with the traditional welcoming ceremony at the Samoa Tourism Authority FaleSamoa.
Team leaders and selected officials drank their share of the brownish brew served from a round wooden kava bowl in cups of coconut shell.
The stage is now set for what organisers described a return to a bigger and better tournament this year at the Football Federation of Samoa grounds Tuanaimato, on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October 2025.
“The much-anticipated event will feature Samoa’s top local talent alongside three exciting overseas teams — NSW Selection (Australia), Recess (Fiji), and 2 Fresh (New Zealand) — all converging for a thrilling weekend of fast-paced competition and sportsmanship,” a tournament statement assured.
President of Marist St. Joseph’s Sports Club, Lemalu John Lemisio said the tournament continues to reflect the Club’s enduring vision to grow and elevate the standard of Touch in Samoa.
“The Marist Touch Tournament has become one of the cornerstones of our annual sports calendar delivered by our Marist Touch affiliate in collaboration with Samoa Touch.
“We’re proud to see it attracting international interest and providing a platform for our local players to compete at a high level. “
Unfortunately, the Men’s Defending Champions, Mana Brothers, will be unable to defend their title this year — meaning fans can expect a new Men’s Open Champion for 2025.