Savaii Colleges dominate Under 18 Girls National Team for New Zealand

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 08 SEPTEMBER 2022: The Samoa Under 18 National Girls Team selected for a tournament in New Zealand during next month’s Women’s Rugby World Cup is dominated by players from several colleges in Savaii.

“Out of the 15 players, 10 were selected from four colleges in Savai’i,” said the team’s coach, Fetuao Eli Tamala. “And the rest are from three colleges in Upolu.”

The Samoa Under 18 will take part in a tournament in New Zealand next month that coincides with the Women’s World Cup competition.

“It is a good opportunity to expose them to big events such as the World Cup and I hope will help motivate them and take their talents further,” said Fetuao.

Fetuao is sad that the Samoa Womens Team, Manusina did not make the World Cup and her dream is that by the next World Cup in 2025, some of the girls, if not all, in her current Under 18 team will make Manusina.

The team has three games scheduled and they will join other Pacific Island teams from Fiji, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia.

Fetuao is expecting challenges in New Zealand especially with the change of climate the girls will be exposed to.

The team was introduced last night together with the Women’s World Cup Trophy that has been on a promotional tour and had travelled around Upolu, Savaii and Manono Island and will make its way to New Zealand in time for the World Cup next month.

Colleges with players selected in the team include (from Savaii) Palaui West, Palauli, Tuasivi, Itu-o-Tane, (from Upolu) Pesega, Nuuausala and Leififi.

Fetuao is a teacher at Palauli College and said the girls will be become part of the Rugby Academy to further develop their skills and talents when they return.