Manu Samoa milestone: celebrating a century of rugby in Samoa

The game of rugby has an undeniably special place in the hearts and minds of the Samoan people.

"When Manu Samoa wins, every Samoan is happy,” said Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua, legendary player and former coach of the national team, in an interview with the ABC. “[...] in terms of Manu Samoa, when they play, our people see themselves and that's really special."

This year marks 100 years since the founding of Apia Rugby Union and the Vaiala Ulalei Rugby Club – and the festivities throughout the country have been joyful, including everything from thanksgiving services to public parades and awards nights.

The Australian Government, through PacificAus Sports, is contributing to the celebrations by partnering with Rugby Australia to send two teams to the Teuila International 7s tournament, hosted by Lakapi Samoa (formerly known as Samoa Rugby Union). Australia will be represented in the commemorative tournament by an Australia A women’s rugby 7s team, and a First Nations men’s team.

The Teuila International 7s follows a historic and tightly fought contest between the Australia A women’s team and Samoa’s Manusina earlier in the week that saw the home team converting a penalty right on full-time to clinch victory.

“Our Australian teams are excited to engage with our Samoan rugby family, and we thank the government for its ongoing support for Pacific rugby union,” said Phil Waugh, CEO, Rugby Australia. 

First Nations talent breaks through

The Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team played a crucial role in the formation of the First Nations side, selecting and supporting outstanding young players from First Nations communities across Australia. ‘Lloydies’, as it is popularly known, was established more than two decades ago to provide sports camps, development programs and playing opportunities for young Indigenous people. The organisation is named after barrister and rugby player Lloyd McDermott, the second First Nations player to represent his country as a Wallaby, and the first to play in an international test, against the New Zealand All Blacks in 1962.

“[The Lloydies players] will proudly serve as First Nations ambassadors on this international trip, representing their families, communities, and the beautiful places we call home,” said Lloydies Director, Matthew Sonter. “This opportunity allows us to highlight the next wave of Indigenous rugby talent. Many of our players have ambitions to represent Australia at the highest level, and this is the perfect platform to showcase their abilities.”

Among the next-generation talent on field will be three brothers from Queensland: Kye, Chase and BJ Oats.

“I am super excited to put the Lloydies jersey on for the very first time in my career,” said BJ. “It is something I have always wanted to do – even better to get the chance to do that with my brothers.”
 

Championing culture and competition

The participation of the First Nations team in Samoan rugby’s 100-year celebrations builds on an ongoing program of work by PacifcAus Sports and partners aimed at providing opportunities for Pacific communities and Australia’s First Nations to share knowledge and perspectives, and deepen relationships on and off the field.

The rich and diverse cultures of First Nations Australians resonates deeply with a diverse range of Pacific cultures. Australia’s First Nations diplomacy is building upon shared historical kinship, cultural heritage, linguistic ties, and trade connections among First Nations peoples to strengthen the enduring and profound connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Pacific Islands.

Earlier in 2024, a First Nations netball team coached by Kamilaroi woman Ali Tucker-Munro took part in the 2024 Pacific Netball Series in Brisbane, and the Our Way – Our Style workshop, focussed on bringing culture into one of the region’s most popular sports for women, was co-hosted in Fiji by Netball Australia.

In the days ahead, BJ and his team-mates will have the chance to embrace both cultural connection and the challenge of high-level international rugby competition as part of their Samoan experience.

“Samoa is going to be exciting and we cannot wait to embrace the culture and everything the beautiful country has to offer,” said BJ. “I also can’t wait to show everyone what we can do on the footy field!”