Local firm Taula Beverage Co. Ltd is supporting Apia Rugby Union's programs this year and presented a $90,000 cheque to the Apia Rugby Union management and board last Friday.

Taula Beverages General Manager, Enele Westerlund, said they are keen to support the development of rugby talent in Samoa and their partnership and support for the Apia Rugby Union will continue this year.

"Taula Beverages Co. Ltd. is excited to continue the partnership and to support Apia Rugby  Union (A.R.U.) in 2021," he said. "We aim to help the development of local rugby talent and our relationship with A.R.U. has produced some very skilled rugby players, some of which are now part of the Manu Samoa squad.

"With obstacles facing us all, from all directions, this year, Taula endeavors to continue to do what we can, where we can, to support our communities. 

"The sports and rugby community plays a big part in our daily activities and is a favorite sport of Samoa. We hope to work together with A.R.U. to further enhance and develop the skill set of our local talents."

Speaking on behalf of the A.R.U., Laifa Vaoiva Petersen said they are grateful for Taula Beverages' support for their union as it helps in the  development of young talent, not only for the A.R.U. but Samoa as a whole.

"We are looking at providing opportunities for the youths in our district in this sport (rugby), not only for the teams in the ARU but can also be distributed to other teams as well," added Laifa. 

"We are giving opportunities to other clubs and teams to come to play and compete, but the partnership between Taula and A.R.U. is to develop and enhance rugby in Samoa.

"We are emphasising club levels because in the club levels we are feeding the rugby union's teams, our national teams like the U20, Manuma, Samoa A, Manu Samoa 7s and at the same time we watch and see if there are players who can be selected in the Manu Samoa 15."

Laifa also added that they are also encouraging players not to keep their options in Samoa but look at other options available like joining teams overseas.

"The Taula's support includes not only monetary but also in kinds sponsorship which adds up to the $90,000 that was given, and we'll be using it to run the ARU's program for 2021," he said.

"We have started with this sevens tournament, followed by other events such as the 15s tournament, Taula All-Stars, and Super Ten. Those are the tournaments covered under this partnership with Taula."