Samoan rugby legend bestowed the Tuli’aupupu paramount chiefly title

Apia, Samoa – 5 December 2025 – Samoan rugby legend, Brian Pala Lima has been bestowed the paramount chiefly title Tuli’aupupu, a title held by his late father Tuli’aupupu Pala Lima 1, who passed away in 2017.

The 53-year-old Tuli’aupupu Brian Pala Lima 11 was bestowed the title with traditional honours in a ceremony held at the Malae of Lalotea at Letogo village and well attended by the chiefs and orators connected to the Tuli’aupupu title as well as families around Samoa and abroad.

He is now vested major responsibilities in looking after his family and relative responsibilities as the Fofoga o le Alataua the title holds in relation to the village, district and country.

The official ceremonies started with the blessing by the Christian church ministers. The traditional Ava ceremony followed and after the speeches that combined congratulations and advise for the new title holder in his new role, the title holder gets the honour of receiving the first Ava cup in recognition and acceptance of his status in the new title.

Presentations of fine mats, food and money were abundant and befitting the status the Tuli’aupupu title carries.

Featured prominently in the speeches, was the recognition of Lima’s service as a rugby player that have certainly placed and promoted Samoa’s name around the globe.

A homegrown rugby talent, the now 53-year-old Tuli’aupupu Brian Lima 11 was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011.

He was the first player to appear in five World Cups and played his last in the 2007 World Cup in France.

He debuted for the Samoa national rugby union team in 1990 and he featured in Samoa’s famous World Cup win over Wales in 1991 and was the youngest player at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

He earned the nickname of “The Chiropractor” for his shuddering hits both on and off the pitch that supposedly rearranged the bones of the victim.

In his new role as a prominent chief of the village and district, Tuli’aupupu Brian Lima 11 will still have an eye and time for sports and rugby talent from his district that produced sensational players in recent times.

The Taupou leading the traditional presentation of the Sua.