Samoa to Compete in 3rd World Rugby Deaf Competition in Japan

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 27 October 2026 – For the very first time, Samoa is competing in the 3rd World Rugby Deaf Competition to be held in Japan at the end of this month.

The Samoa 7s Rugby team representative was trained and selected by Coach, former Manu Samoa winger, Leaupepe Alesana Tuilagi. According to the Samoa Deaf Society, only Leaupepe responded to their request for a coach.

Speaking at the farewell ceremony for the team Monday night, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt encouraged the team to play with discipline and humility.

He also acknowledged Coach Leaupepes’ commitment especially standing up to the call for a coach.

He believes that with Leaupepe as coach, the team will do well at the competition.

“I am happy that this is the first time we have entered this world competition, and I see that you (Leaupepe) have selected warriors to represent Samoa,” he said.

He said he had delivered many farewell speeches at the SASNOC office at Tuana’imato and all those teams are doing well at their own competitions.

In a light-hearted moment he said, this is a house of winners, and we expect you to win.

He informed the players that they are not going on a holiday then encouraged them to be strong.

“The first strike is always the winning strike,” he said.

“You carry the hopes and potential of all deaf persons and the heart of Samoa, play with discipline and respect, play with humility,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt with (l-r) SASNOC Secretary Sifuiva Maureen Epati Tuimalealiifano, M. Lemisio, Samoa Deaf Society 7s Rugby Team Coach, Leaupepe Alesana Tuilagi & Samoa Rugby Union President, Matafeo George Latu at the farewell of Samoa’s 7s Deaf Team for Japan.

Government donate $50,000
One of the FAST Government initiatives when they took office is the development of sports as it unites people, break barriers and create opportunities for young athletes.

To support the Samoa Deaf Association campaign, the Government donated $50,000.

“The Government recognizes the importance of equal opportunities for all, and we support the initiative that empower persons with disability to participate,” he said.

He made reference to other sports.

“Manu Samoa is still the best, Toa Samoa, better, but you can come back with the Cup and that is my challenge to you,” he said.

Turning the impossible to possibility
Out of curiosity, Laauli asked Leaupepe how he manage to coach a team that could not communicate openly with him and Leaupepe shared the first time he turned up for training.

Armed with his whistle and entering the field, he was told to put the whistle away because the players will not be able to hear it. He quickly found out that communication through words was impossible.

But he took the challenge and slowly managed to learn to communicate with the players through sign language and using different coloured flags.

Slowly, a team was assembled and preparations for participating was finally in place.

Leaupepe acknowledge the support from everyone who believed in him and the team, he also acknowledged the Government for their generous support.

The Team

• Vitaliano Lui – Lotopa
• Daniel Mataia – Moamoa
• Tusi Fiaui – Sataua/Nu’u-Fou
• Poka Kalolo Tuifelasai – Leauvaa
• Kelemeta Tema – Afega
• Evi Enesi Sio – Neiafu/Aleisa
• Ionata leotele – Talimatau/Taga
• Vailoa Filipetelo -Toamua/Faleula
• Meletia Vauivale – Lano/ Salailua
• Faofua Faalafi – Malie/ Vaiala
• Olive Seigafo Mavaega –Afega
  COACH – Leaupepe Alesana Tuilagi