The Bank of South Pacific (BSP) has provided ST$10,000 ($3,800 USD) to the Samoa School Rugby National 15s and 7s Championship 2023 as naming rights sponsors. The championship features the best school rugby teams from around Samoa competing for the coveted championship title. BSP’s involvement in the event is in line with the bank’s commitment to supporting sports development in Samoa, with the bank supporting grassroots sports programs, sponsoring various community events, and partnering with local sports organizations to promote development.
The BSP Schools 15s Rugby Championship final was held on Friday, with Pesega College defeating Nuuausala College in a 25-24 win with just one point separating the two in a nail-biting finish. In the first half, it was Nuuausala that took the lead and went into the halftime break with a slim 12-10 scoreline. However, in the second half, Pesega came out firing and was able to grind out the win to seal the match. The victory marks the culmination of a year-long preparation for Pesega College, which instilled in the team the confidence that they could overcome their rivals and win the shield.
In the female division of the championship, the Palauli Sisifo College U18 team won the grand final when they defeated Safata College. The team’s captain, Madeleine Faalelea, expressed her pride in leading the team to their first championship in the 15s rugby tournament.
The aim of the BSP Schools 15s Rugby Championship, which is sponsored by BSP Samoa Limited, is to deliver a high-level professional event that provides players, coaches, and management with high-level competition experience. It is also seen as an opportunity for the students to showcase their talents on a national level.
BSP’s support of the event is part of its initiative to invest in the development of juniors – both boys and girls at the school level. BSP Samoa Country Manager, Jennifer Fruean, expressed her excitement to be involved with these youngsters at the school level and provide a pathway for future stars. The total support of the event from BSP was worth ST$15,000 ($5,700 USD), with ST$10,000 presented as a cheque to support the staging of the event, while ST$5,000 worth of BSP merchandise will also be donated for the event.
The event drew a large number of spectators and participants from across the country. BSP’s involvement as the name rights sponsor was a testament to the bank’s commitment to supporting sports development in Samoa, and its support for the championship furthered its commitment to the development of sports in Samoa. The tournament has now come to a close, with Pesega College emerging as the champions of the BSP Schools 15s Rugby Championship. The Palauli Sisifo College U18 team also emerged victorious in the female division, defeating Safata College in the grand final. The championship provided players, coaches, and management with high-level competition experience, and it was an opportunity for the students to showcase their talents on a national level.
The BSP Schools 15s Rugby Championship was a well-organized event that showcased the best school rugby teams from around Samoa. The support of BSP as the naming rights sponsor is a testament to the bank’s commitment to supporting sports development in Samoa. The event provided players, coaches, and management with high-level competition experience and allowed students to showcase their talents on a national level. The championship final was a nail-biting finish, with Pesega College emerging victorious over Nuuausala College, while the Palauli Sisifo College U18 team won the female division grand final.
