Samoa's new domestic rugby

Samoa's new domestic rugby competition gets approval

The Eels outclassed the Chiefs 38-17 in the final at Apia Park on Saturday following 11 weeks on competition.

The nine franchise teams replaced the 18 sub-unions in the old National Provincial Championship, which was found to lack quality, depth and resources, following a review by the Samoa Rugby Union.

Eels team manager Laifa Petersen said they found the new competition to be of a very high standard.

"It's a big step up and a big difference from the old tournament - the mindset of players and their mentalities is higher," he said.