7 Jul 2015

Exhibition in Samoa highlights rugby fever

8:02 am on 7 July 2015

Rugby fever has hit the art and culture scene in Samoa with an exhibition of New Zealand's Maori haka and the Samoan siva tau.

PIPA students from NZ performing the haka at the exhibition in Apia

PIPA students from NZ performing the haka at the exhibition in Apia Photo: RNZI - Tipi Autagavaia

Both are traditional challenges that have become fixtures before international sporting contests.

Photographs and paintings depicting the challenges' links with rugby make up the exhibition at the old court house building in Apia ahead of the historic test match between Manu Samoa and the All Blacks on Wednesday.

The New Zealand High Commissioner in Apia, Jackie Frizelle, says it is exciting to bring exhibitions devoted to rugby because it is a testament to the close relationship between the two countries.

"The love of rugby unites our two countries and I think this is a very fitting tribute to that love, that rivalry on the field, to our shared cultural heritage and that friendship."