Toa Samoa is Coming Home – Deputy Prime Minister

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 09 DECEMBER 2022: Toa Samoa’s long awaited homecoming has finally been confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio who was with the team at the Rugby League World Cup in the UK when the team reached the tournament finals.

Tuala confirmed today the team is scheduled to arrive on 27 December and several activities are planned for the team between the 27 and 30 December.

The team will also visit Savaii where many of the players have families, to show their appreciation for the support during the tournament.

Already the country is in high spirits when the news of the teams’ arrival became public early today.

Toa Samoa is the first Tier 2 and Pacific Island team to advance to the finals of the Rugby League World Cup and despite losing to Australia in the finals, they however earned the hearts and respect of the world for their perseverance and their high achievements.

Even the Samoa police showed their support.

Despite losing, the team received a hero’s welcome in Australia and fans and supporters in New Zealand are hoping for an opportunity to show their appreciation if the team makes it their way.

Toa Samoa’s achievements united so many and saw the biggest ever draw of unity and support not only amongst Samoans both in Samoa and around the world, but non-Samoan fans.

Samoan flags have been seen flying in rare and remote parts of the world and supporters competing to have the rarest means of transport to fly the Samoan flag in support of Toa Samoa.

The growing solid global support base also promoted Samoa’s international telephone Code 685 linked to the team’s success.

At home, Samoa has seen the biggest ever car rallies in support of a single event and the home supporters will certainly turn up with more to welcome Toa Samoa personally when the team lands at home.