IN PARTNERSHIP : Lakapi Samoa President Namulauulu Leota Sami with Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, HE Will Robinson.
By Staff Writer
“On behalf of Lakapi Samoa, I sincerely acknowledge and express my gratitude to Rugby Australia, the Australian Government, and PacificAus Sports for their generous support and investment of AUD $800,000 towards the development of Manusina 7s.”
These heartfelt remarks of gratitude are by the Lakapi Samoa Chief Executive Officer, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun, on the occasion at the Tuanaimato Lakapi Samoa headquarters.
Lakapi Samoa highlighted its partnership with Rugby Australia through the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports, with the official presentation yesterday of the initiative to boost the Manusina programme.
This partnership will see the Australian Government provide Lakapi Samoa with AUD$800,000.00 (approx. WST$1,430,000) over four years to support talent identification and development, marking a significant step towards Samoa’s quest for qualification in the HSBC SVNS series.
In addition to supporting the overall development of rugby in Samoa, this partnership will be instrumental in inspiring the next generation of Samoan rugby talent.
Through expanded school outreach programs and increased development opportunities, Lakapi Samoa aims to foster emerging talent at all levels of the game.
This initiative will not only enhance participation rates but also promote skill development and competitive match opportunities.
“This partnership comes at a crucial time as we revamp our Sevens program, strengthening our women’s high-performance pathway and providing our athletes with the resources and opportunities needed to compete at the highest level,” CEO Seumanu continued.
“Furthermore, this support is instrumental in driving our Manusina 7s bid to qualify and debut in the HSBC World Sevens Series, while also aiding our Manu Samoa 7s in their journey to return to the series.
“This significant investment reflects the strong and enduring relationship between the Government of Samoa and the Australian Government, highlighting our shared commitment to advancing sports development and creating opportunities for Pacific athletes on the world stage.”
Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Will Robinson praised the partnership between Samoa and Australia as sharing “…a love of sport that transcends borders and brings people together.”
“This support for Lakapi Samoa’s Manusina Sevens team reflects Australia’s commitment to creating opportunities for athletes across our shared Blue Pacific to learn, grow, and compete together at the elite level. Rugby union has long been a part of our deep sporting connections, and Australia is committed to its growth in Samoa and across the region.
A warm faafetai tele lava to Lakapi Samoa and Rugby Australia for their partnership, and we offer our best wishes to the Manusina Sevens for the upcoming World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.”
Rugby Australia CEO , Phil Waugh, shared the happy sentiments of the partnership on the occasion.
“Rugby Australia is thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Lakapi Samoa as we work together to elevate rugby throughout the Pacific.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Australian Government for its ongoing support of Pacific rugby through the PacificAus Sports program.
“Today’s funding announcement will significantly enhance Lakapi Samoa’s efforts to develop its women’s rugby program. Together, we are building a bright future for women’s rugby in our region
“With the Australian-hosted Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 on the horizon, we proudly consider these events as home World Cups for our Pacific rugby family. It’s crucial that we unite in support of Pacific teams, empowering them to achieve their fullest potential.”