WORLD NINES – CONFEDERATION CUP

Speaking at the launch of the tournament last week, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi also acknowledged the many benefits that SAMOA stands to reap from the event.

“The tournament will benefit not just our athletes, as esteemed media coverage of SAMOA as the host country will benefit SAMOA as a whole, while opportunities to expand knowledge of local coaches and referees in the rugby league code will be acquired at no cost.” Those were “crucial elements” in the government’s decision to host this tournament in Apia.

“While this will focus on international interest on Samoa as a sporting nation, it will also portray our capacity to host world events and demonstrate the capabilities of our sports personnel and infrastructure that have made it possible to conduct and facilitate several international sporting events in the past,” he said.