A group of young rugby players from Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga are hoping to take the next step after a week-long programme aimed at developing their skills and providing personal development opportunities. 

The programme which ends on Friday has been a great success according to World Rugby Performance Ppathways and Player Development Manager Simon Raiwalui. 

There were 10 players picked from Manuma Samoa, nine from Fiji Warriors and five from Tonga A. 

Raiwalui spoke about the good learnings that the boys had experienced during the week and the challenges of bringing three nations together. 

“They've come together really well. It's been a really good week of learning and the boys combining well,” said Raiwalui. 

The programme included workshops on nutrition and personal development, as well as rugby training sessions aimed at bringing the boys together as a team. 

“It is not just for the players but we had staff from Lakapi Samoa come in and get some personal development work. We've had coaches come in. So it's about growing the capabilities of everyone within the program,” said Raiwalui. 

In terms of contracts for the boys in the combine squad, it is a possibility as one of the selectors from Moana Pasifika is on the hunt for talent.

Tagiilima Tuioti, a 19-year-old Manuma Samoa player from Safotu and Sasina in Savai’i, has expressed his appreciation for the development programme he participated in. 

He was selected for the Pacific Combine and believes that programmes like this are extremely beneficial for the people of Samoa. Despite not thinking he would be chosen for the team, he is grateful for the opportunity to participate.

“I was kind of shocked because I’m young but it's a big achievement,” said Tuioti. 

Tuioti, a former student of St Josephs College, had to pause his studies at the NUS to pursue his rugby career, which has provided him with numerous opportunities so far. Tuioti added that programmes as such should be ongoing every year for Samoans.

“It would help a lot of our young players who are trying to get up to this level because I can see a lot of our students in college who love to play rugby,” said Tuioti.

“We need to do this kind of combination program every year for our younger kids to achieve or to keep on working together but on a higher level.”  

Raiwalui mentioned that there had been some challenges during the programme, including a tough game against the local team on Thursday. However, the boys had stuck together and shown growth throughout the week.

“Fair play to the Samoan boys that came in. Some young boys there, and they really stuck into the boys. So, it was really good learnings for both teams,” said Raiwalui. 

During the rugby match, some of the World Rugby members present in the stadium found it difficult to accept certain decisions made by the referee as they did not agree with them.

Concerns has been raised at the level of refereeing in a school competition this week as well.