14 Apr 2012

Sport: Marist Sevens kicks off in American Samoa

9:50 am on 14 April 2012

Samoa's Prime Minister has congratulated the Marist St, Joseph's Association of Pago Pago for lifting the standard of rugby competition in the territory to an international level.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who is also the chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, says this was the same path that Samoan rugby took when the Marist Old Boys of Samoa started the Marist Sevens more than 20 years ago

New Zealand sevens Captain DJ Forbes, who is in American Samoa for the event, says going back to Samoa is always a special moment for him.

"I guess for me I wear my pride on my sleeve, I don't wear it for fun, I want people to know that I'm Samoan and I guess this is a way that I can give back to the Samoan community to be here and be part of the Marist Sevens is a special thing, and also I look forward to the Olympics as this is a great opportunity for Samoan players."

Also here are Manu players Lolo Lui, Paul Perez and Afa Aiono, rugby hall of famer Muliagatele Brian Lima and former Manu Samoa captain Peter Fatialofa.

The two day tournament with teams from Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga gets underway this morning.