China aids Samoan rugby
The efforts by the Samoa Rugby Union to develop professional rugby in Samoa received a much-needed financial injection yesterday thanks to the Chinese government.
China’s Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng, presented a $30,000 to the Samoa Rugby Union for the Super 9 competition.
The money was received by the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U), Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.
“These days, my wife and I are reading the book written by the Honorable Prime Minister; The Memoir,” said Mr. Xuefeng.
“There is a sentence in the book written by the Prime Minister that says ‘Samoa is a rugby mad nation’ so today we are very happy and honoured to do something for our Samoan friends in rugby.”
The Ambassador is a fan of rugby himself.
“We are so impressed by the passion of all the Samoan people including the players.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the donation.
“As you know the competition is intended to raise the standards of rugby by our players,” he said.
Tuilaepa added that he remains hopeful one day the Manu Samoa will be able to play a test match in China.