23 February 2019, Apia Samoa. Tanoa Samoa Manono have been crowned champions of the Vailima Marist 9s rugby league tournament after beating a gutsy Pacific Ezy Money Savaii side in the final by 16-4.
MVP of the Mens division this year was awarded to Emile Fanene from Tanoa Samoa Manono. Her Excellency the Auatralian High Commissioner to Samoa Sara Moriarty presented the MVP awards.
President of Rugby League Samoa Su’a Tagaloa Faafouina Su’a says the tournament was a huge success achieving it’s goal of growing the game in Samoa and providing a platform to showcase local talent ahead of the Pacific Games in July as well as the World 9s in October this year.
He added that having quality referees and match officials was an important part of developing local players’ understanding of the game.
“We acknowledge Asia Pacific and New Zealand Rugby League for providing the support to bring across our two referees.”
“We are grateful to Samoa Breweries and Vailima for supporting this years Marist 9s tournament and we hope to continue the partnership with Vailima and all our sponsors, as we grow the sport of rugby league in Samoa.”
Other sponsors who supported the tournament are Pacific Ezy money transfer, Matniuel Printing and Gmana.
“The fantastic 4 product yielded results today because of the support over the past 4 weeks from our sponsors and partners of Rugby League Samoa,” said the President.
#Marist9s #GrowTheGame #Marist9s
Source: Marist St Joseph’s Sports Club
