The Samoa Touch Rugby fraternity is breaking new grounds with the first tournament scheduled at a resort in Samoa.

The “Touch the Rainbow Championship” tournament this Saturday will be held at Taumeasina Island Resort, bringing a fresh touch to the tournaments usually held at rugby fields on the outskirts of Apia.

The plan was confirmed by the President of the Touch Rugby Incorporated, Michael Wulf, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer.

"We have our upcoming Touch the Rainbow Championship this Saturday and it's hosted at Taumeasina Island Resort,” he said.

“It's a Social grade tournament and it's a family event where teams just come and enjoy a fun game of touch.”

The tournament hopes to kill two birds with one stone. The first being to promote the sport and the other to help the resort during what has been a very difficult period with visitors and tourists shut out of Samoa during Covid19.

The General Manager of Taumeasina Island Resort, Tuiataga Nathan Bucknall, welcomes the initiative saying this is a great opportunity for Taumeasina to host such event as they are all about helping the community.

"It's a community thing, and Taumeasina being the host we will be able to help the community,” he said.

“It also helps us during times like this. We will be providing the beverages, drinks, and food for everyone that will attend, and it is a family event. So it is a good event to cater for.”

Taumeasina Island Resort is one of the resorts that have had to temporarily lay off workers during the lockdown.

The registration fee is $200 per team with the winning prize being $2,000. The last day for registration is 22 July 2020.

The touch the rainbow championship is the first of events for Samoa Touch with the Touch the Crown open tournament, Business House and the National Elite touch tournament.

The Samoa touch won a silver medal during the Pacific Games, which Samoa hosted last year.