Manu Samoa Benefits Through Australia’s PacificAusSports Initiative

APIA, SAMOA – 15 JULY 2022: If there is one thing Australia and Samoa have in common, it is their passion for sports.

Rugby is Samoa’s national sport and there is much excitement around Manu Samoa’s performance in this year’s Pacific Nations Cup currently being played in Fiji.

Australia is stepping up to assist the Manu Samoa on their path to success.

Through its PacificAusSports initiative, the Australian Government is committed to helping to create high performance pathways for Pacific rugby.

“The Regional PacificAus Sports Hub based in Samoa will further help foster new generations of sports talent across our region. It works to develop elite sports pathways not just in rugby, but for other Pacific teams and athletes to compete in the Pacific, Australia and internationally.” “We have a healthy rivalry on the sports field, but our close friendship and love of sports runs deep. We share a belief that sports is and should be for everyone,” said Her Excellency Emily Luck, Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa.

Last month PacificAusSports and the Lakapi Samoa entered into a sponsorship agreement to support the Manu Samoa 15s participation in the Pacific Nations Cup currently being held in Fiji. The Manu Samoa is undefeated. If they defeat the Flying Fijians this Saturday, they will be crowned Pacific Nations Champions 2022.

Chief Executive Officer of Lakapi Samoa, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i was grateful to the Australian Government and PacificAusSports for their commitment. “We greatly welcome the support of the Australian Government behind the fixtures through its PacificAusSports program,” said Faleomavaega.

One of the promotional banners for the PacificAusSports Initiative.

“Australia and Samoa share a strong cordial development relationship in political and socio-economic development, and in the rugby arena too. We are proud of the achievement our sports men and women are contributing in Australia and in the world of Sports.”

The Regional PacificAus Sports Hub based in Samoa will further help foster new generations of sports talent across our region. It works to develop elite sports pathways not just in rugby, but for other Pacific teams and athletes to compete in the Pacific, Australia and internationally. The Hub will increase Australia’s sports engagement in the Pacific and help unlock the potential of a new generation of sporting champions.

Faleomavaega is excited about PacificAusSports having its Sports Hub in Apia. “We acknowledge and thank PacificAusSports for agreeing to sponsor the Manu Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup and establishing its Regional Office in Samoa to help develop high level sport in Samoa and in the region,” the former Manu Samoa halfback said.

“We are grateful for their support in partnership with our National Sport’s various domestic programs”.

“We know the power of sports to bring communities together. Australia, through our PacificAus Sports Program, is proud to support Lakapi Samoa in providing pathways for local athletes to compete at the elite level,” said Ms. Luck. “We wish the Manu all the best this weekend!”