A simple fact told the story.

There were more Blues fans in front of the government building for farewell them on Saturday morning then there were at Apia Park.

After the historic win on Friday night against the Queensland Reds, Blues met their fans for an hour before they headed to the airport for their return flight.

The Samoa Tourism Authority helped to organise the event as well as to present rugby equipment to the Samoa Rugby Union for the development of rugby in the country.

Star fullback Melani Nanai presented some rugby shoes to the Samoa Rugby Union.

“This is just a token of appreciation to the Samoa Rugby Union as well as the public for the great hospitality that you have shown to us,” said Nanai.

“We hope it will be put in good use and help out with rugby in Samoa.”

S.R.U’s Development Coordinator Shalom Senara acknowledges the support of the Blues.

“On behalf of the Samoa Rugby Union and the public here today I would like to first of all acknowledge Tony Hanks, Jerome Kaino and Pauliasi Manu for coming over to the headquarter and helped out with our rugby clinic for our academy boys,” he said.

“Thank you to the Blues staff, from the management team to the players’ thank you for putting on a brilliant show last night.

“We are looking forward to the one next year as well but all the best on Wednesday and we will be supporting you from Samoa.”

Blues Head Coach Tana Umaga also acknowledges the support of the people of Samoa.

“On behalf of the Blues we are very proud and privileged to bring the game and be the first Super Rugby team to play here in front of a lot of our families and our people so we are very privilege to be here,” he said.

“We thank you for your support and we know that we weren’t here long but we’ve been made truly welcome and we hope to be back again.

“So thank you again and we wish you all again for the rest of the year and God Bless.”