THE MAKING OF TOA SAMOA: PART 6 – The Little General of Rugby League Samoa

APIA, SAMOA – 27 DECEMBER 2022: He is known to close associates as the General. He is the Secretary General of Rugby League Samoa. Like many others, Fritz Tuiavi’i came to Rugby League from Rugby Union. He introduced Touch Rugby to Samoa as an extension of his involvement in the sport in New Zealand. This is part of a series of six articles on Rugby League Samoa’s 30 year history in celebration of Toa Samoa‘s 2022 World Cup phenomenal success.

By Lance Polu

Through his late uncle, Swanny Stowers, Fritz Tuiavi’i was always around Rugby League in Samoa. Then 2006 was a huge turn for him as Samoa prepared to host the South Pacific Games the following year.

Fritz was asked by the Games Board to revive Rugby League as one of the sports. Rugby League was almost non-existent between 2001 and 2006. It was to be a blessing in disguise.

As a sport that was played only between a few clubs then, Fritz saw that what was needed was new leadership. With the Games Committee behind him, Fritz moved swiftly and in a few weeks, a new Executive Committee took shape.

Peter Paul was President, Fritz as Secretary and Tagaloa Fa’afouina Su’a was Treasurer.

He combined street smartness with a gentleman’s touch and always seemed to be ahead of his game. He got along with the players despite their varying backgrounds. Fritz usually got through with a street smart Samoan touch… “share everything we have…and there is not much,” he indirectly told the players.

Toa Samoa 2022 Fullback, Joseph Suaalii comes home to be bestowed a chiefly title and gets the support of the Rugby League Samoa family in the Saofa’i preparations.

What the magic in the team?
“It is reminding these boys about their connection to Samoan culture. It’s something most have never experienced before. They learn simple Samoan words and expressions.

“We respect Sunday and most have never read the Bible before during the team prayer services and we all sing hymns. Then pulling on that jersey and standing there as the National Anthem is sung provides the magic for the team.”

Rugby League Samoa has since been bringing the players back to the islands to maintain their spiritual connection.

“When they are here, we get them to meet their families. And they meet their cousins, aunts and grannies and families, the people they represent and play for and usually they would give whatever they have. So it’s a totally different feeling than playing for other teams. It’s not about the money.

“It’s a deeper feeling and connection they have for Samoa.”

Toa Samoa 2022 Rugby League World Cup Team.