Sixteen rugby teams from Samoa, American Samoa and New Zealand, will be vying for the Governor Lemanu Cup and the first prize purse of $12,000 in the 4th Vailima Marist Pago Flag Day International Sevens, this Friday and Saturday at the Veterans Memorial (VM) Stadium.
With some well known names in rugby among the players, the event promises to display a high standard of Sevens, not seen here before.
Manu Samoa players taking the field include Paul Scanlan, Tila Mealoi, Neueli Leutufia, Tuna Tiitama and Faafoi Falaniko. Another up and coming player BJ Lima, the son of the Legend and Manu Samoa Sevens Coach Brian Lima is another attraction.
The Top 4 in the American Samoa Rugby Union Tournament last month are representing American Samoa: Bula Fiji, Avele Club, Moli o le Ava and Nuuuli.
The one team from New Zealand is Marist St. Josephs.
There are 11 teams from Samoa: Vaiala, Malie Sharks, Tepatasi, Apia Maroons, Alalagafa-Falealili, Satalo-Falealili, Safotu, Laulii Lions, Vaimoso, Tama Uli and Marist St. Joseph’s.
World rugby certified referees are being flown in for the games and they, as well as some of the off-island teams, are staying at local hotels and B&Bs.
Four women rugby teams, two of which are high school teams, will have exhibition matches.
Organizers of the event, Marist St. Josephs Sports Club American Samoa, has worked hard to secure sponsors for the tournament and the total cash pool to be given away is $30,000. Vailima is the Naming Right Sponsor, with Pentagon Samoa and ASTCA as Diamond sponsors.
The tournament is sanctioned by the American Samoa Rugby Union.
On Friday, games start at 10AM and on Saturday, starting time is 9AM. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 on Friday; and $10 and $3 on Saturday.
Photo: Tama Uli from Salelologa
