The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China donated $25,000 worth of rugby equipment to the Samoa Rugby Union yesterday afternoon.

The donation was presented at the Office of the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who is also Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union. He acknowledged the support from China.

“On behalf of Samoa I would like to show our gratitude and appreciation to the People’s Republic of China for this donation to assist with our rugby,” he said.

Chinese Ambassador, Wang Xuefeng, said the donation was part of the special friendship Samoa and China shares.

“Christmas and New Year is near, so this is a gift of friendship from the Chinese Embassy to the people of Samoa to show our best wishes to the people of Samoa,” he said.

“We hope in 2016 the Manu Samoa achieves great success...and hope in the New Year [for] a great success in the friendship between China and Samoa.

“We find that rugby is a good way for the Chinese Embassy to come close to the people of Samoa and the grass [roots] level.

“We can talk with the young people about the sport, so it will improve our friendship.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Rugby Union, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i, said the equipment will be given out to schools and rugby unions to help with the development of rugby in Samoa.