Police Investigate Rugby Players Death at Weekend League Match

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 3 August 2026 – The Samoa Police are investigating the death of a rugby league player during a rugby game at the Vaiala Rugby Field last Saturday.

The police are asking anyone who recorded videos or has any footage related to the incident to send it directly to their Facebook page or contact investigators.

The Marist St Joseph’s player collapsed on the field when a fight broke out during the match with the Apia.

Video footage shows the player was already lying on the ground when other players attended to him before an ambulance arrived. Reports said he died before reaching the Motootua Hospital.

Although videos are already circulating on social media, the police emphasize that sharing any relevant footage can help their investigation as the public’s cooperation is very important.

The Police are encouraging players and supporters to maintain peace and order at sporting events and support efforts to find justice for the family of the late player.

The Executive of Rugby League Samoa attended to the player and members of his family at the hospital and accompanied his body to the mortuary where they held a brief prayer service and where his body now awaits a postmortem.