SCOPA Mourns Death Of Promising Player

Written by Pio Sioa
Friday, 29 February 2008
Ateria 'Keli' Ateria Members of the Samoa College Old Pupils Association, SCOPA, rugby team, are this week mourning the loss of 28-year-old Ateria ‘Keli’ Ateria. The SCOPA backline utility player was killed on Sunday night in a traffic accident at Fasito’o. A woman friend he was traveling with died in the same accident. “We are still feeling the loss of his sudden death,” SCOPA Rugby team Manager Magele Hoe Viali told Newsline yesterday. “ He was one of our players with the skills, strength and speed to become a stand out rugby star, which makes it very hard for us to believe that he is gone “He was a very social person and was well liked in the club” Ateria made a breakthrough into the Manu Samoa when he was selected for the tour of South Africa last year, as part of the pre-World Cup build up for the national side. He was a starter for the Manu Samoa at the backline in South Africa, until he was forced to the sideline for most of the tour by a recurring ankle injury. Ateria was initially from Saasaai in Savaii where he was educated at Vaipouli College before he moved to Saleimoa in Upolu, and went on to play for SCOPA. Rugby scouts who came to Samoa from New Zealand picked up on his potential quickly and signed him up for NPC contracts with the Wanganui provincial side in 2005 and 2006. He moved to play for Manawatu last year, and was again expected to return to Wanganui this year. His last rugby outing was with the SCOPA seven-a-side team that was placed 4th in the Championship round of the recent Marist International Rugby 7’s tournament. “ He is a big loss for SCOPA and also for our own rugby in Samoa,” Magele lamented. Newsline Newspaper Catch up with News. Grab a Newsline today. Only $2 tala. Available at all leading retail stores. Comments (3) Subscribe to this comment's feed What a talent written by Jaxx, March 01, 2008 I will never for get this guy seeing him playing live on tv here in nz you couldnt help but be amazed at his talent he was the best player in the npc 2nd division just carved up every team he came up against. Grass roots rugby has a programme here in nz an they talked about ateria alot on it when ever they showed wanganui games he was the key to the backline cant believe such a talent aint here no more he was probably the only player in the 2nd division who many touted as a super14 player of the future. R.I.P written by Aveamafaaolataga Usoalii, March 10, 2008 your memories and visions of your love will always stays in my heart..you used to be my boy friend and we happen to become best friend, then sadly you lelt me to be my guardian angel..may you rest in peace Keli..I love you and i miss you too much..Big condolences to your family and esp your dearest mom..I love you Silupe sorry for the lost of your beloved son..I was looking forward for the day of my return so i can come visit Keli and all you guys back home but oh well tears tears..love you Keli..Once i get to heaven and you are not there, i'll wait for you by the golden stairs. And if you are not there by judgement day! just know that i love you and always will...RIP my fatu..Ele galo oe.. FOREVER IN LOVE WITH YOU, Aveamafaaolataga Usoalii in loving memory of my brother written by tasi, March 24, 2008 no words come close tah letting you know how lost I feel without you uso. always remember that you will never be forgotton, not now, not ever.may you rest in peace and ii know we will meet again in heaven. my heart goes out to your daughter and our family.. life is incomplete without you uso but ii know that you wil be watching over us all as our guardian. love you always and forever. ia manuia lau malaga your uso Tasi Savaii Sousou Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Saturday, 01 March 2008 )

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