Prime Minister commends Fetu and Toa Samoa 

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 02 November 2026 – The Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has commended the historic achievements by Fetu Samoa and Toa Samoa as they both secured places in the World Cup semi-finals this weekend.

La’auli said the teams’ progress eased some of the disappointment he felt after Samoas’ 20–18 loss to Tonga in a gripping world cup match.

Laauli was one of the spectators at Mulinuu watching Fetu Samoa topple Wales in a 76 win on the big screen erected for the public to enjoy the game on Friday and again on Sunday when Toa Samoa lost to Tonga 20-18 in the last minute.

Laauli described the sporting achievements as a milestone.

Reflection on the Toa & Matema’a game
Laauli was briefly side-tracked during his speech to open a Government CEO workshop preparing Samoas Money Laundering Report to acknowledge the sporting achievements.

“I was somewhat disappointed, but after watching the replay I felt comfortable and relieved,” he said.

La’auli commended the Samoa/Tonga match as one of the best rugby league games he had watched and said it felt like the World Cup final.

Tonga’s 20–18 victory secured its semi-final place against New Zealand in Newcastle on Saturday night, and Toa Samoa to face Australia in Sydney on Sunday.

After the game, Laauli called Tonga’s Prime Minister, Lord Fakafānua to congratulate him on the win.

He commended both teams for showing the world what Samoa and Tonga could achieve in sport.

“The eyes of the world are now looking at our little, tiny islands and I asked him to chase the Kiwis while I chase the Kangaroos,” he said.

He said he told Tonga’s Prime Minister that he would see Tonga at the final.