Championship opens door for all Samoans

By Ulimasao Fata 21 March 2018, 12:00AM

The Samoa Rugby Union’s Super Nine Championships is taking the next step forward.

Starting this year, the Super Nine franchises have agreed to allow Samoans living and playing overseas to participate in the championship.

This was confirmed by the Samoa Rugby Union C.E.O, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i, to the Samoa Observer yesterday.

Faleomavaega said the idea had been discussed by the franchises and had gained popular support among them. 

“The new idea to allow fellow Samoans residing overseas to play for the Super Nine Franchise Championships this year has been agreed. 

“So it is up to any franchise to decide if they want to invite any overseas players to their teams, possibly two forwards players and two backline players.

“So this is all up to the respective nine franchises competing in the Super 9 Championships. We are encouraging them to bring the players needed in their teams.” 

Faleomavaega mentioned the main aim and objective of this move by S.R.U. is the development of the sport as well as lifting the standard of rugby played in Samoa.

 “It’s the initiative of the Samoa Rugby Union in getting our young Samoan players playing and living in overseas countries to come and play for Samoa.”

Faleomavaega believes this initiative allows Manu Samoa team selectors to have enough pool of players to select the national team from.

“Another idea is to get these young Samoans playing overseas to come here and trial for our national team.  It also makes sure we have the best pool of players to select our national teams.”

The Super Nine Championships Round one will kick-off on 21 April.

By Ulimasao Fata 21 March 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>