Two veterans of the Samoa Rugby Union have been recognised for their services to the sports.

Sapa’u Lolesio Vitale and Fuiono Felise Vito were honoured during the launch ceremony of the Bluesky Super Nine Rugby Championships 2018 on Thursday night.

The two men received the Samoa Rugby Union Membership award for their contribution to the growth of the sport in Samoa.

Samoa Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai, congratulated the men.

“Sapa’u is a legendary Rugby player and administrator and also had a long career as a Police officer since 1995,” he said. 

“He was also a former Member of Parliament, from 1988-1991.”

“His Rugby career lasted 50 years with the Marist Rugby Club, Sale’imoa Rugby Union, Tuamasaga Rugby union and Apia Rugby Union.”

“He is still enjoying footy playing in the Samoa golden oldies Rugby team against men half his age at Malifa.”

Faleomavaega added that Sapa’u is a role model given “age doesn’t even matter to him, and he is promoting healthy living to all Samoans.”

Fuiono on the other hand is from the Marist St. Joseph’s Rugby Club. 

“He has been serving through treasurer, secretary and President, and also a tournament director for the Marist St Joseph’s International Sevens in its inception 30 years ago.”

“Fuiono was instrumental reviving and introducing Rugby Sevens to be included in the Union’s annual calendar in 1984.”

“He was also a Vice-Captain for Manu Samoa toured Fiji in 1974 and Vice-Captain for Manu Samoa tour to New Zealand in 1976.”

“He retired in 1982 and joined the Apia Rugby Union as a referee.”

“It was there that Fuiono excels as the President of Samoa referee Association, represented Samoa referee for Samoa Rugby Union.”

“He was appointed to referee in the Super 10 competition, and was also appointed to referee during the 1991 World Cup.”

The rest is history.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who is also the Samoa Rugby Union Chairman, presented the awards.