Rugby
The only Samoan in the World Barbarians Deaf Rugby Team
By Lagi Keresoma/
Apia, SAMOA – 28 October 2026 – Twenty-nine-year-old Rosita Simone of Afega is the only Samoan selected for the women’s World Barbarian Deaf Rugby Team for the 3rd World Rugby Deaf Competition in Japan.
Despite being deaf, it has not stopped her from taking on challenges that come her way.
Speaking to Talamua, Rosita said she is nervous for many reasons.
“This is the first time I am going to play internationally, I feel scared especially that I do not know or have met other girls in the team,” she said.
However, despite her fears, she is not letting go of an opportunity to participate in the international arena representing Samoa.
“I do not know what the experience would be like, but I am excited and I want to experience it,” she said.
She said with the support from the Samoa Deaf Association, her family and Samoa, she feels confident that she will give the best she could for Samoa.
Sporting background
Rosita has played many sports as she grew up but rugby caught her attention when she started playing it at school.
She wanted to play in a local team but never had the opportunity but she did play in her church youth team and also in school competition.
She was asked how she overcame challenges of being deaf on the field.
She said when a deaf person is on the field, there are coloured flags and signs around the field that they can relate to, but mostly they watch the referee’s actions.
She was also asked if there is a future in rugby for her.
“That is my dream,” she said.
What she likes the most is to develop rugby for deaf people in Samoa especially with the establishment of the World Rugby Deaf Competition.
“I am excited and nervous, but I will do my best,” she said.