Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino appointed General Manager of High Performance

Apia, Samoa – 08 April 2025 – Lakapi Samoa today announced the appointment of Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino as the new General Manager of High Performance.

With an impressive track record in sports management and high-performance programs, Tomokino is set to take the lead in driving Lakapi Samoa’s vision to elevate the performance of our athletes on both national and international stages.

In his new role, Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino will oversee the management, and enhancement of Lakapi Samoa’s high-performance programs. He will work closely with athletes, coaches, and support staff to ensure that all performance pathways are optimized to deliver the best possible outcomes.

“I’m extremely humbled to be selected for this appointment by the CEO and Lakapi Samoa board. It is my privilege and honour to continue to serve Samoa in this way,” said Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino, upon his appointment.

“We have some exciting milestones in place for this year, Women’s Rugby World Cup, Men’s World Cup Qualification, Men’s 7s circuit qualifiers as well as Under 20s rugby. I am looking forward to being part of the process that allows our Rugby to flourish, build and foster our elite pathways to successful life changing futures in rugby for our players and those involved in the game from coaching to administrative levels and then continue to build on this year on year,” said Mataafa.

He stepped down from coaching this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, and now focusing on building and nurturing potential talent to be world class athletes as with homegrown players like Miracle Fai’ilagi and current Manu Samoa captain Theodore McFarland just to name a few.

In congratulating Mataafa on his appointment, Lakapi Samoa Chief Executive Officer, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun said, Mataafa brings with him over 18 years of experience in high performance rugby, with a proven track record across domestic and international levels.

“His leadership comes at a pivotal time for Lakapi Samoa as we prepare for a defining year in 2025,” said Seumanu.

“With the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Men’s Rugby World Cup Qualifiers, our Sevens team aiming to reclaim its place in the HSBC World Series, and the revival of our Under 20 program as it strives to break into the Tier 1 level of world rugby, Mataafa’s role will be crucial in shaping and supporting these campaigns. We are confident that his experience, strategic mindset, and passion for development will strengthen our pathways and performance across all levels of the game.”