PRESS RELEASE Two Samoa Rugby Union team squads had a surprise visit from the leader of the country, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, during their training run at SRU headquarters this morning.
Tuilaepa, who is also the Chairman of Samoa Rugby Union, spoke to the U20 and U23 players and coaches of his ambitions for the future development of SRU and players.
“You have to be honest in everything you do, especially with your training,” he said.
He also spoke about the importance of Samoa having a seat on the World Rugby council which he recently attended in Tokyo, Japan.
Tuilaepa touched on many topics that ranged from the work of coaches and expectations from players to ensuring resources are available at all times.
He alluded to government and SRU looking at sources willing to help in the construction of a new rugby stadium right here.
“We hope to build a new 20,000 seat stadium right here at Tuana’imato,” he said.
He added Tuana’imato is an ideal location in terms of accessibility to do away with road blocks currently happening at Apia Park, everytime there is a game there.
He also spoke about the need to have local coaches at all levels, pointing out that the development being done by the SRU is not just for players but also for coaches and referees.
Tuilaepa told the young players and coaches that there will also be more effort given to the development of womens rugby.
“Most country’s, including Samoa, have more women than men so we need to make sure the development of women, both players and officials, is high on the agenda,” he said.