After a lengthy spell abroad and a long haul flight, the Samoa U20 team finally made it home last night.

A crowd of supporters clapped as the Samoa U20 team and management walked out the Faleolo Airport International Arrivals. Their fellow colleagues from the Licensed Training Centre held up a ‘Welcome Home’ banner as congratulatory hand shakes and back slaps made the rounds. The players were just glad to be back home after boarding the flight from Heathrow, Singapore, to Auckland and finally Apia. 

Ranked Seventh in the World ahead of Pacific neighbours Tonga and Fiji, who are 13^th and 14^th respectively, coach Sogi Meleisea and Assistant Coach Matthew Vaea are proud of the boys. Asked what’s next for the U20 and Team Manager Namulauulu Leota Sami stated the boys will go back to the Licensed Training Centre at Alafua to continue their training and development.

The Junior World Cup campaign has given them exposure and experience, challenging them to put their all on the line for their country. They now know where they are at, and what they need to improve on. The SRU is also aware of their potential, as every player beats a path to the road to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand

Leota thanked all those who greeted them at the airport upon arrival. He also thanks the tapuaiga of the Head of State, the PM, their families, and the nation. The emails and faxes that they received throughout their Junior World Cup campaign gave spiritual encouragement to the boys. He also thanked the SRU and its family of sponsors particularly PUMA and SIFA [Samoa International Finance Authority].