The Marist Sevens is an opportunity to develop local talents.

One of the teams looking at making the most of that opportunity is the Marist Angels women’s team.

Coached by prominent local rugby figure, Paul Chang Tung, he said the opportunity is excellent for his team to test their abilities.

 “This is the first time the Marist committee has decided to do a female’s team for Marist,” he said.

 “Since we are the host of the International Marist 7s tournament, we think it is a must for us to have both men and women teams.”

That has given birth to the Angels team. Coach Chang Tung said it’s an exciting time.

 “The girls who are in this squad are all new to the game and they’ve never played alongside one another before,” he said.

At training, they have mainly been concentrating on the basics.

“As their coach it is my job to teach them the basics before we go into the depths of the games,” he added.

But there are other challenges. Getting them together for training has been tough as well as making sure their families are okay with it.

 “We have training in the evening so afterwards it is my duty to look out for their safety,” he said. “So I have to drop them off in front of their homes make sure that they have arrived safely in their homes.”

The team only came together at the beginning of the week and have been camping at the Samoa Traditional Resort.

The team: Dee Matai, Sara Talalelei, Vey Taviga, Mina Viligia Tafeamalii, Seifono Misili, Betta Toala, Mary Jae Stowers, Fuatau Tupa'i, Muaau Ataga, Tavale Tuliloa, Anjelica Tafea, Michaela Lio, Suisui Viligia Tafeamalii, Saida Mamea, Ropeta Ioane and Aukusitina Toloa.

Head coach: Paul Chan Tung, Assistant Coach: Ieti Faalavaau, Team Manager: Cardinal Pio Chan Tung, Team doctor: Fred Anesone.