The 3rd and last TMO Marist American Samoa 7s Flag Day Tournament will take place at the Tafuna Veterans Stadium on the 11th and 12th of April.

Eight local teams will play for the championship Cup and $10,000 first prize. They are: A’asu, Avele, Vailoa, Marist, Nu’uuli, Lauli’i, Lalomalava, and Leone. They will do battle against 15 teams from Samoa.

TMO, the tournament’s major sponsor is proud to feature profiles of the eight ASRU clubs that will take part in next week’s competition, with the 15 teams from Samoa to follow.

Today, TMO presents the Ilao and To’omata Leone Whites team from the village of Leone.

“Coach Pua’ina Wants ASRU to Drop 15-man rugby From Agenda”

The Leone Whites coach, Spotty Pua'ina wants the American Samoa Rugby Union not to hold any more 15-man a-side rugby competitions, but concentrate on developing the 7’s system of rugby.

“I want the ASRU to drop the 15-man rugby code from its agenda. We can never win a rugby match in the international arena in 15, but we have a chance in the sevens game. Look at our Talavalu— who thought we would be playing in Hong Kong in such a short period of time when ASRU gained its IRB membership?” he pointed out.

It was in 2013 when the International Rugby Board approved the ASRU application to change its status from associate membership to become a full member. 

In welcoming American Samoa to the IRB family, chairman Bernard Lapaseset said that he was happy to see ASRU on board, making the territory their 98th full member.

 “The IRB is delighted to welcome American Samoa as the latest full member. The ASRU is a structured organization that has demonstrated strong governance principles and a robust administration. It has demonstrated a determination to grow the game within the territory. The IRB is committed to developing rugby around the world and this is yet another step along that path.”

But if coach Pua’ina’s wish were to be implemented it would have dire consequences. ASRU would certainly lose its IRB membership and that would again send territorial rugby back to its dark cave. 

It would also mean that the promising career of Leone’s shining star in the Talavalu team, Maugalei Williams Ve’ave’a’, who performed courageously in Hong Kong last week would be over. Uma lava pisupo.

Pua’ina is 30 years old and can still play rugby in the 15-man code as a lock. He took over the coaching position for the Leone Whites three years ago. He has a squad of almost 20 players that has done a lot of running, practicing ball skills, and holding tackling drills for almost a month.

He is assisted by Lolo Mai, the brother of the famous and internationally known 7’s star, Uale Mai of the Manu Samoa. Training is under the supervision of Zena Iese, a wrestling specialist and media consultant. The team’s liaison officer is Laupati Maiava.

Pua’ina is satisfied with the progress his team has made since they got together to prepare for the TMO Marist Pago International 7’s tournament.

“Our squad is looking solid. Stamina is about 80 percent. We’re concentrating on ball skills and fitness at this time but overall I’m happy with the way things have turned out.”

Coach Pua’ina is extremely glad for Ve’ave’a, Leone Whites representative to the American Samoa national team Talavalu as he demonstrated his talent to the world in last week’s Hong Kong IRB tournament.

“We’re looking forward to having him join our squad and share his experience and stories when he returns,” the proud coach comments. Leone Whites has a former Talavalu member in the squad. He is, Tino Melea, who represented American Samoa in international 7’s competitions during his time.

Pua’ina works for Inter-Island Airlines and proclaims he is getting married in July to his girlfriend of seven years. “We’ve been dating for a long time and have decided to tie the knot.” Pua’ina and Lori Toelupe, a Leone girl, who is employed at the American Samoa Insurance company, will exchange wedding vows in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Coach Pua’ina wants to thank the Marist club for hosting the international 7’s competition for the past two years. He believes that many young potential Talavalu players are playing rugby because of the popularity of the sport.

“With the ASRU taking over the control of the Flag Day 7’s next year, I sincerely hope that chairman Togiola Tulafono and the union will continue to maintain the high standard Marist has set for the past two years.”

Coach Pua’ina wishes to thank his village of Leone, cultural and religious leaders, Maluolefale, Fai’ivae Alex Godinet, faipule Puletu Dick Koko and fans for their prayers and support for the Ilao and To’omata Leone Whites team.

“We cannot do it alone but with the help of our village we can move together to fight for your honor. We thank you again Leone for your love, prayers, and donations to your team. We promise we will play hard and tough and produce good results for you,” Coach Pua’ina promises.