Samoa Rugby Union through the Manu Samoa 15s has pledged support for efforts by UN Women to end violence against women in Samoa and the Pacific.
Suisala Mele Mauaivao of UN Women in Apia, who is spearheading the initiative, met with Manu Samoa captain David Lemi to solidify the partnership.
"I think it is so important that SRU is now playing a role in promoting an end to violence against women, because to have a team of this capacity where our people look up to it’s good to know that they are setting an example for this push," she said.
"It’s an incredible honor to know that there are players in Samoa and are Samoan who support this issue in Samoa and while there are misconceptions about rugby players, I want to make sure that everyone knows that there are men that have honor on the field and also off," Mauaivao added.
The Ikale Tahi Tongan and Flying Fijians rugby teams have also shown their support for the initiative.
"Samoa is spearheading the fight and now were having our Pacific brothers coming in and join the fight and that’s what makes our initiative grow. So I’m glad that these players are reaching in to fight for the cause," she added.