World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont to be bestowed chiefly Samoan title

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 25 OCTOBER 2022: The World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont who is visiting Samoa on an invitation by Lakapi Samoa, will be bestowed a Samoan chiefly title at Aufaga village tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

Aufaga is one of the villages in the constituency of the Lakapi Samoa Chairman, and long-time Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Sir Bill Beaumont was welcomed in a function hosted by Lakapi Samoa this evening at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel. The visit to a longstanding invitation by Lakapi Samoa had been disrupted by the Covid pandemic lockdowns.

In welcoming the World Rugby Chairman, Tuilaepa said Samoan rugby has come of age since 2019 when they first joined as a voting member of the World Rugby Council “and your visit is an affirmation of the importance of that membership in the World rugby council.”

He said Samoan rugby has faced many challenges but have endured and he looks forward to a fruitful rugby discussion with Beaumont.

Sir Beaumont noted Samoa’s contribution to the sport as a member of the World Rugby Council and producing great rugby talents.

“No team wants to play Samoa because they know it will be an extremely tough game,” said Sir Beaumont.

He looks forward to further discussions regarding the future of rugby and he also noted Samoa’s contribution to the changes in the rugby players’ eligibility rules.

He looks forward to tomorrow’s chiefly title bestowal ceremony saying it’s an honour.