Tama Uli from Salelologa have emerged the winners of the first round of the Vodafone National Rugby Sevens Series held at Apia Park over the last two days.
The reigning Marist St Joeseph’s Vailima International 7’s champions met Two-Time National Sevens Champions Tepatasi, in the final.
Tama Uli edged out Vaiala in the semi final, while Tepatasi beat Laulii in the other semi final.
The winners of the 8 pools from this round will automatically advance to Round 2, while the second placed teams will be ranked to compete for the remaining 6 spots.
This is the second year in a row that Vodafone Samoa has sponsored the National Rugby Sevens competition. Naming rights sponsor Vodafone are committed to the resurgence of sevens rugby, not only domestically but also in national teams. Australia’s Pacific Aus Sports has also stepped in to support rugby development, while TV3 is Lakapi Samoa’s broadcasting sponsors.
Grassroots rugby in Samoa is run on a voluntary basis by club coaches and administrators, and rely heavily on corporate sponsorships by local businesses to be able to stage teams in the national series.
The winners of Round 1 – Tama Uli have been sponsored by Ott Constructors for the past several years. Finalists and reigning national champions, Tepatasi, have finally secured a corporate sponsor this year, with Pacific Ezy Money transfer stepping in to back the Reverand Malo Sefo coached side.
Other long standing sponsors have been HJ Keil’s support of Vaimoso, while Betham Brothers Enterprises have tagged their name to BBE Vaiala. Another long standing sponsor is Vailima and ACP’s relationship with the Marist club.
Samoa Stationery and Books SSAB have sponsored Moamoa Roosters for several years and now also sponsor Sosoese Samatau.
Business Systems Limited BSL have sponsored Uso Satalo Pacific Ezy Money also sponsor Safotu.
