Rugby
37th Vailima Marist 7s Finale of 64th Independence Celebrations
Apia, SAMOA – 27 May 2026 – The 37th Vailima Marist International 7s Tournament will be one of the highlights of Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations and stand to be the finale of the celebrations running 5-6 May at the Apia Park.
Launching the tournament, Patron and Prime Minister, Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt acknowledged the Marist Brothers who brought the game to Samoa and helped develop it to where it is now.
“If there was no yesterday, there would not have been today,” he said.
He also acknowledged all the Rugby Clubs in Samoa in their efforts on making this tournament possible. He also acknowledged the overseas countries such as Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and others who participated in the Marist Sevens over the years and helped develop the sport in the country.
The Prime Minister also reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting all sports including rugby, acknowledging to the success of our local teams during the recent International Weightlifting Competition Samoa hosted in late April.
Marist Sevens Patron and Prime Minister, Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt speaking at the tournament launch last Saturday.
Laauli also referred to the Australian Government funding of AU$150M in a span of 5 year for the development of rugby in Samoa. “Despite the internal differences in our rugby administration and development, these we can sort out over consultation. But I decided to sign the Australia funding agreement, so Samoa does not miss out this great funding opportunity,” he said.
“This will be for the development of all rugby clubs in Samoa, including Marist Rugby Club.”
He also encouraged rugby clubs and administrators to run rugby properly with commitment and be transparent in the development of the sport “we all love”.
Reiterating the Government’s support of rugby and all sports, he said plans are in the pipeline to build an international size Stadium at the Tuana’imato sports complex with a capacity of up to 50 thousand spectators.
“This stadium will replace the Apia Park Stadium where it cannot hold any more international tournaments due to its deteriorating condition.”
Marist International 7s over the years
The Marist 7s tournament has faced its fair share of challenges over the years where lately it was marred by some unfortunate disagreements inside the Marist Sports community which led to the cancelation of the tournament in 2025.
The loss of its iconic stadium and playing field at Lotopa was also one of the issues that led to some discouragement among the members of the sports club.
Apart from these issues, the Marist Saint Josephs Sports Club has been over the years a key figure in providing a platform for local talents to not only showcase their skills. These platforms were not only in rugby but also netball, touch rugby and boxing.
The current Executive however, pushed through these challenges and have come through on a high by providing another international tournament that coincides with the 64th Independence Celebrations.
The Government provided $50,000 financial support towards the tournament and the Prime Minister stated for the Marist Sevens to be a feature event of future Independence celebrations starting in 2027.
The 37th Vailima Marist International 7s Tournament
There is a huge contingent of Fiji teams to compete including 5 Men’s teams and one Women’s team. During the LIVE draw, the Fijian teams are spread out in the 8 pools with 24 Men’s teams competing and one pool of Women’s teams which will be competing for the Cynthia Wetzell Cup currently held by Savai’i Queens.
The tournament will be held at Apia Park on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June 2026. The Pool layout is as follows:
POOL A: Tepatasi Devo Babas (Fiji) Leauva’a
POOL B: Marist St Joseph’s Yaro Cheifs (Fiji) Uila Emo (Saoluafata)
POOL C: Laumoso’oi Tisa Insurance (Fiji) Aleipata Itupa i Luga
POOL D: Vaimoso Aflames Brothers (Fiji) Sataoa
POOL E: Laumua o Tumua Tama Uli Sale’imoa
POOL F: Moata’a Lotofaga Safata Itu o Tane
POOL G: Satalo Bula Brothers (Fiji) Malie
POOL H: Lauli’i Apia A’ana West
Women’s Tournament for the Cynthia Wetzell Cup
Savai’i Queens (Current Champions)
No Idea
Striders
Tagimoucia (Fiji)
Vineula