Vailima Marist 7s

The first event is Samoa’s premier Vailima Marist 7s which begins in Apia tomorrow (Friday).

A Memorandum of Understanding for the partnership was signed between the Marist Sports Club President, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio and President of SRWMA, Tuigamala Marina Keil yesterday (Wednesday).

The two organisations will be working closely to keep the country clean.

The Marist Club has also announced Tanoa Clothing Company as the silver sponsor and the official Elei provider for the Vailima Marist 7s tournament.

The defending champions first won the title in 2011 before winning it again last year.

Vaiala is in Pool A, alongside Satalo, Moatoa and Ulutogia.

The host team, Marist St Josephs is also the favourite of the competition after winning the title 12 times.

Marist is in Pool D alongside Lupesiliva, Faleolo Jets and Malie Sharks.

Auckland Marist St Josephs and Fiji’s Tabadamu are the only overseas teams that have won the title.

Auckland Marist won it three times while Tabadamu only won it in 2019.

Moataa has slipped in performance over the last few years, however this year, former Manu Samoa 7s legend, Lolo Lui, takes up the coaching role for the men in white.

The two teams have been drawn in Pool A alongside Satalo and Ulutoiga.

Seeded top in Pool B goes to last years runners up, Apia Maroons – captained by veteran 7’s player Tila Mealoi.

Pool B is one of the toughest pools with Laulii, SCOPA and Nofoalii.

Pool C has Tepatasi, Tamauli, SSAB Moamoa and Safotu. Two teams from the Big Island of Savaii are both in this pool.

Samoa Tourism Authority has pledged its support for the XXXIII Vailima International Marist 7’s and the Marist Sports Season.

CEO, Lenatai Suifua said they are grateful to be part of the tournament.

“We acknowledge the hard work of the Marist St. Joseph’s Sports Club over the past 33 years in developing the tournament to the high standard that it is today, not forgetting the part you have played in attracting teams/visitors over the years, thus supporting our tourism industry.”

Samoa International Finance Authority has also joined other sponsors.

Tournament Director, Taupau Alex Mikaele said there are 16 confirmed teams, with another 12 on hold.

Taupau could not reveal the final 16 teams, as a few had not paid registrations in full, and there was still a chance one of the waitlisted teams would make the cut.

“We will announce the final 16 as soon as we can, and have our usual live draw for transparency.”

The Vailima Marist 7s will be held on the 26th and 27th of this month in Apia.

These teams are yet to be finalised, as some of the teams yet to pay registration fees.  

The organisers confirmed that eight women’s teams will also be vying for the prestigious Tupua Fred Wetzell championship trophy.

The tournament will be held on the 26th and 27th of this month.

The Marist St Joseph’s Sports Club has secured continuous support of its loyal sponsors despite the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Samoa Stationery and Books have confirmed their sponsorship, as well as Apia Concrete Products.

The country’s biggest sevens tournament will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Previously the competition was held in February.

This year will mark the 33rd year of the tournament.

Teams such  as Taumeasina Island Resort Moataa and Tamauli Salelologa are expected to feature again in the competition.