4 June 2023 Apia Samoa Source: Lakapi Samoa Development. Nuuausala College have edged out Leulumoega College to take out this year’s Championship Cup for the Boys Under 18 division at the Bank South Pacific School National Rugby 7s Championships.
The road to the championship saw Nuuausala defeat Itu-o-Tane 27-12 in the quarterfinal before they edged out Leifiifi College by a close 14-7 in the semifinal.
From the other side of the draw finalists Leulumoega College put away Wesley College with a convincing 26-0 win in their quarterfinal before ending Aleipata’s hopes in a close 10-5 final.
Aleipata College featured Samoa 7s National representative, Malakesi Puna Masefau who debuted in the final leg of the World 7s Series in London.
Despite being still at school, Malakesi plays his club rugby for Aleipata’s Tepatasi.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) went to one-to-watch for the future of Rugby 7s, Nuuausala’s Fitu Faalii.
Out of finalists Leulumoega College is another one-to-watch, Tulasili Faatasi who plays his club rugby for Afega.
CEO of Lakapi Samoa Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai acknowledged the support from BSP towards both 2023 Samoa School Rugby National 15s and 7s Championship.
Lakapi Samoa received a boost of ST$15,000 from Bank of South Pacific to host the titles, presented as a cheque of $10,000 plus ST$5,000 worth of BSP merchandise donated for the event.
“BSP’s kind support has helped us organize the school national championships that aim to not only develop rugby as an equal opportunity sport, but also encourage healthy living, promoting friendship and unite students,” said Faleomavaega.
During the presentation of its sponsorship earlier this year BSP Samoa Country Manager, Jennifer Ula Fruean said, “BSP is proud to invest towards the development of juniors – both boys and girls at the school level.”
“This is exciting for us to be involved with these youngsters at the school level and provide a pathway for future stars.”
Fruean says the sponsorship of school rugby is just one of BSP’s initiatives to support sports development in Samoa.
“The bank also has been actively involved in supporting grassroots sports programs, sponsoring various community events, and partnering with local sports organizations to promote development,” added Fruean.
“We believe in supporting the communities we operate in. Whether it be through sports development among our youngsters in the community level or through our Community Projects covering Health and Education.”
The 2023 Bank South Pacific School National Rugby 15s and 7s Championships has showcased a high level of skill and featured exciting up-and-coming players from schools across Samoa in both the girls and boys division.
The quality rugby demonstrated is testament to the collaboration between Schools Rugby and Lakapi Samoa Development.
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