Dear Editor,

I agree with your editorial that the Marist Sevens is a good investment, but far, far, far from enough. 

Here’s why: 

1) This is just 7s, so it does not do much for 15s - the real money-maker; 

2) It does nothing for under 20s and school rugby, as the competition is for seniors; 

3) This is mainly club rugby, not a higher level of competition as provincial or franchise rugby or of any sort.

What then, drop Marist 7s? No way, it is a good tourney, but it is just one of many things that we need to raise Samoan rugby higher. 

We’ve had Marist 7s for decades, and it has not done much for Manu Samoa in both 15s and 7s. Just look at the current state of both our 15s and 7s teams. Moreover, Marist Sevens has been dominated by overseas teams. We got high school rugby that needs international experience. 

A triangular tourney with Tonga and Fiji and tours would help high schoolers prepare for U20s global competitions. 

It’s great that we also have Super 9 U20s, but they also need to go on tour, as they prepare to compete at senior level, and perhaps a spot on Samoa’s A team. Marist 7s is only a step up, but there are several more steps above it.

Cyborg