Samoa, China strengthen rugby connections

11 January 2018, 12:00AM

The Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) hosted the Chief Executive Officer of China Rugby Football Association (C.R.F.A.), Jack Lau and his delegation in Apia this week.

It follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties recently in Beijing.

Chairman of Samoa Rugby Union and Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said the announcement of the M.O.U. was delayed to coincide with the first official visit by the C.R.F.A. officials. 

 “The M.O.U. between S.R.U. and C.R.F.A. represents the continuous close relationship between China and Samoa.

“Amongst China’s immense contribution in Samoa includes assistance in our sports facilities and naturally this has extended our mutual partnership with close establishment of means to both explore and share resources and commercial opportunities through the sport of rugby.”

As part of the M.O.U., S.R.U. will aid through our Manu Samoa Sevens and XVs programme to promote the sport in China and also provide an environment for C.F.R.A. teams to visit and learn from local teams and competitions on island.

China recognises Samoan players spread across the world and plans to set up its own professional rugby championship in the next few years is exciting for both Unions and C.F.R.A. would like S.R.U. be part of this exciting development.

For S.R.U., assisting C.F.R.A. grow the game in in a country of China’s global economic power will expose both Unions to commercial opportunities.

 “We are very happy to be in Samoa and witnessed first-hand what S.R.U. has to offer,” Mr. Lau said. 

“Our first visit to Samoa so soon is a sign of our commitment for S.R.U. to help us, and we have accepted an invitation to participate in the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Marist Samoa 7s in February. 

“We anticipate to bring our national men and women sevens squad to camp for a few weeks and learn from Samoan teams.”

S.R.U. would like to acknowledge the support of China’s Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng for facilitating S.R.U. delegates visit to Beijing, China for the signing of the M.O.U. and also the support accorded by Samoa’s Ambassador in Beijing, Tapusalaia Terry Toomata.

11 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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