Matamua Upati Junior Salima has been appointed as Head Coach of the Manu Samoa Sevens, announced Lakapi Samoa CEO Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai. The appointment follows a rigorous selection process involving both local and international candidates, with Matamua standing out for his coaching experience and success across multiple levels of Samoan rugby.
“We congratulate Matamua on his appointment to lead our Manu Samoa Sevens in the Oceania 7s 2024,” said Faleomavaega. “We wish him well as he embarks on taking our team back up and ensuring we can qualify for the Challenger Series 2025.”
Matamua has a track record of exceptional coaching. As a World Rugby Accredited Level 3 Coach, he has led Tama Uli to numerous championships, including a 34-match winning streak in 2022 and titles in major competitions like the Marist Samoa International Sevens and the Vodafone Samoa National Sevens Series. He also guided the Church College of Vaiola’s Under-18 team to victory at the National Schools Sevens Championship this year, further demonstrating his capacity to foster young talent.
Reflecting on his new role, Matamua expressed his commitment: “I am truly privileged and honored to take this opportunity to lead our Manu Samoa 7s and continue to serve our country. I am committed to giving my all to help us succeed in this tournament and to qualify as a non-Core team for the World Sevens Challenger Series in 2025.”
Originally from Salelologa and with strong ties to rugby at the village and district levels in Savai’i, Matamua has coached both high school teams, like Vaiola College, and local village teams with great success. His experience as a former Development Officer for Lakapi Samoa has equipped him to identify and nurture emerging players, many of whom have gone on to represent Samoa internationally.
Matamua’s tenure as Head Coach will be reviewed after the Oceania 7s, where his leadership and vision will be closely watched as Samoa works to rebuild and reclaim its position in international sevens rugby.
