The Chairman of Samoa Rugby Union and Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi welcomed the National Rugby Team from Germany at a reception hosted by the Samoa Rugby Union Wednesday night.
“It is with great pleasure to welcome the German National Team and management to your very first visit to Samoa, and also to our own Manu Samoa team,” said Tuilaepa.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa spoke about the shared history between Samoa and Germany, highlighting the strong economic and trading links as well as the close Diplomatic ties that Samoa continues to share with Germany to this day. Tuilaepa also said that Samoa relishes the opportunity to host the German Rugby Team, despite the high stakes ahead of the looming Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification match.
“On Saturday, we are all looking forward to an exciting match between our two teams," said Tuilaepa, before humorously adding, "Don’t read what comes out in the paper, it’s the way we joke.
"We like to say a lot of jokes and humour to keep the spirit of our people high. Incidentally, we learned all these jokes from your forefathers when they were here in Samoa, so enjoy your time here in Samoa amongst your brothers,” said the Prime Minister.
Tuilaepa acknowledged World Rugby assistance in setting up the fixture between the two teams and expressed Samoa’s gratitude to sponsors who have contributed financially and in kind to Samoa Rugby Union as well as the upcoming match.
This Saturday will be the second meet between the two teams, the first time being in Bonn in 1989 where Samoa thrashed Germany 54-9.