New Zealand Rugby and Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) representatives visited Vaimauga College, Faatoia yesterday. 

The visit is part of trying to promote the quick rip sport in schools in Samoa. 

New Zealand Rugby representative Tim Gilkison, New Zealand female rugby Captain Fiao’o Fa’amausili, Former All Black’s player Rodney So’oialo, S.R.U. representative, Avi’i Fa’alupega and quick rip representative, Nadia Malifa visited the college to not only make known the sport, but also a health initiative for the students. 

The presentation by the group started with a warm up and then displaying of skills needed to play quick rip. 

Ms. Malifa shared they aim to promote the sport among boys and girls.

Avi’i Fa’alupega stated they have already visited Vaimea Primary School, Vaimauga and Leififi College is confirmed for a visit on Wednesday.  

The team will head to Savaii on Thursday to visit schools there.

“The game quick rip is specifically for teenagers. It’s very much like 7’s but without the tackle, so there is no contact, but we do inconsistency scrums and also lineouts so a lot of it is very similar to the 7’s game, which means it’s easy for those who haven’t played before, girls and boys,” Mr. Gilkison said. 

“Ultimately the objective for the programme is to promote health in reference to non-communicable diseases so we are doing that through the use of the quick rip game because it provides the exercise components, so we are teaching the youth of Samoa about the importance of regular workout. So we use the game that way.”

“Lastly, we educate them on healthy lifestyle, what they should be eating and especially what they shouldn’t be eating, we want to reach every secondary school in Upolu and Savaii.”

The programme is funded by the N.Z. Government through New Zealand Rugby. 

Vaimauga College Principal, Tamasoalii Saivaisee stated one of the most important things in sport is getting healthy and quick rip is a brand new sport. 

“I look at it as a sport to promote health, not only that it is fast and quick but especially no bodily harm to any of the players, cause all you have to do is quickly run and pull the tag, also I think it’s faster than rugby and a lot of other sports. For this game you have to use your brain in terms of tactics, and the use of reflex art in scoring points,” Tamasoalii said. 

 “I enjoy engaging with the kids, what we mostly do is to engage with them do a bit of laughter also for the kids to have fun, Samoan raised, so I’ve always wanted to come back to Samoa and give back to the community and share my knowledge in terms of skills,” Mr. So’oialo said.   

Vaimauga College Year 12 student, Fa’asafualealofa Vaimotia said the programme is important in terms of developing skills in this particular sport.