The Hon. Minister of Sports and Recreation Hon. Laumatiamanu Ringo Mathew Purcell officially welcomed the Australian Women’s and Australian First Nations Men’s Rugby 7s teams during a reception held at the Australian High Commission (AHC) compound in Avele on Thursday evening.
The Minister of Sports and Recreation welcomed the Australian First Nations Men’s and Australian Women’s 7s rugby teams during the event, “It is both an honour and a pleasure to welcome the Australian First Nations Men’s 7s Rugby team and the Australian Women’s 7s team to our shores.”
The Minister spoke about the close relationship between Samoa and Australia, especially through rugby, and mentioned the ongoing partnerships between the two countries. He mentioned Australia’s support for the Manusina 15s development pathways through the PacificAus Sports program and pre-Olympic support for the Manu 7s team.
“Sport is a powerful bridge that connects communities, fosters understanding, and nurtures friendships across borders,” said Purcell. He acknowledged Australia’s inclusion of First Nations players in the teams and their broader initiatives, such as PacificAus Sports and Team Up.
The event celebrated 100 years of rugby, and the Minister mentioned that having three Australian teams in Samoa highlights the strength of the partnership between the two countries.
Samoa’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation has been focusing on creating an environment where sports are accessible to all, and the Australian Government’s support was acknowledged.
“We are deeply grateful for Australia’s unwavering support in the realm of sports, which helps elevate not just the game but also the lives of countless individuals.”
With two Rugby World Cups set to be hosted by Australia, the Minister expressed hopes for further collaboration to strengthen rugby in Samoa at all levels.
