Toa Samoa Stars In Samoa For World Cup Build Up

Written by Pio Sioa
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Video Interview : Boss Man : President of the Samoa Rugby League Association Mr. Eugene Paul A cluster of world famous Samoan Rugby League players are heading for Samoa next year, to pump up the heartbeat of the home support by being up close and personal. These men who will carry the name Toa Samoa (Warriors of Samoa) to the Rugby League World Cup in July-August next year. Rugby League is a struggling sport in the country and does not enjoy the kind of fanatical following of the ever beloved, Manu Samoa in the rival code, rugby union. The promotional build up to the team visit starts tonight with the arrival of team captain, Nigel Vagana and trainer Apollo Perelini. While in Apia, they will be exposed to the public eye as much as possible, to start the drum rolls in support of the Toa o Samoa World Cup quest, and more importantly the blessings of the country. The promotional build up this week will climax with appearances by the visiting Toa o Samoa stars at the “9’s Xmas at the Park” rugby league tournament at the Marist St Joseph’s Sports ground. While Nigel Vagana is yet to become a household name in rugby union mad Samoa, his trainer Apollo Perelini is no stranger to the heart of Manu Samoa fans. He is the man who put the fear into the Welsh with his hard tackling at Cardiff Arms Park, in Samoa’s first rugby union World Cup in 1991. The famous victory woke up the world to the once unknown dot in the South Pacific. Perelini was also part of the Michael Jones Moata’a Dream team in the inaugural Marist Samoa Rugby Union Sevens and in subsequent championship wins. His links to the Manu Samoa is a leg up for the Toa Samoa wooing effort in the coming months. To bring the national World Cup team home is a big ask for the Samoa Rugby League Association, President Mr. Eugene Paul and his executive. “ We are hoping to raise $200,000 to send the Toa Samoa to the World Cup and promote the sport at the same time,” he says. The Association is struggling financially, and it was only through a direct appeal to the international rugby league for support that made it possible for the Toa Samoa to cover the bulk of its expenses at the qualifying round. The Toa Samoa team that emerged for the qualifying round to qualify for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, featured mostly international stars, but they did include several homebred players who joined the team. Comments (4) Subscribe to this comment's feed malo written by troublemaker, December 13, 2007 Malo Toa Samoa..faafetai faamalosi malo fai o le faiva...alofa mo outou uma o tautiga mo si o tatou atunuu pele e ui i na mativa..supporter ... written by luka, October 12, 2008 have a good game uso samoa mo samoa written by Freddie, October 20, 2008 Toa Samoa, i think you guys know what YOUS have to do!! beat them all, make our small island proud. Dont forget our Lord and saviour, Matthew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God, and all things Shall be add it on to you. God bless. GO HARD! New life TITANS ALU IAI. .! written by Loresmond, November 13, 2008 Hey Guys, this goes out to all the boys in TOA SAMOA, all the best guys. & know that God is with you's at all times. if we win or ~~dont~~ win! just know that we still love you's all. .! All the best in the game, & do your best for our island. We'll be praying for you guys. LORD BLESS!! Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 December 2007 )

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