The award presentations for the American Samoa Rugby Union 15-a-side tournament was held yesterday at a luncheon provided by the ASRU at the Jades Restaurant in Nu'uuli. Bluesky, the Major Sponsor for this year’s tournament presented the top 3 teams with monetary prizes:

1st place/ Shield Holder Lalomalava $2,000.00,

2nd place the Leone Rugby Club $1,500.00, and

3rd place Laulii Rugby Club $1,000.

The shield along with Bluesky gift bags to all team representatives that were present at the awards luncheon were also distributed. Total sponsorship came up to a total of $6,000.

ASRU Chairman Togiola T.A. Tulafono thanked Bluesky Communications for sponsoring the tournament, stating that one of the biggest expenses faced by the ASRU when tournaments are held is for flying over and paying for referees from neighboring Samoa to officiate the games. He stated that the ASRU is working at getting local referees certified so that this will not be a problem in the future.

Togiola thanked the Rugby teams for a successful 15-a-side tournament and also apologized for the scheduling conflicts due to weather conditions and team availability. He asked the Rugby teams to please continue to work together for the development of rugby in the future.