Chanel College is mourning the passing away of one of its longest-serving teachers Pouniu Danny Laulu on Wednesday. 

The Marist teacher, who hails from the village of Lepea, was the subject of social media posts by students and colleagues expressing condolences and acknowledging his contribution and service for over 35 years.

Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun, General Manager of Samoa Rugby Union's High Performance Unit, took the opportunity on behalf of the S.R.U. to remember his life and offered sympathies to the family.

"As of now we do not have any solid recorded information regards on Danny's profile [the year and date where he was a rugby player] but we have seen his contribution in developing rugby in Samoa is very important for the Union," shared Seumanu.  

"We would like to offer our sincere condolences to his wife, children, and his family in this time of loss, we pray for peace upon you all in this time of sorrow. 

"Danny's commitment shows that he was a coach and trainer for the young ages and he was a former Manu Samoa player... so Danny's involvement within the developments of rugby in Samoa is very important and for that, we have missed one of its great legends." 

Aeau Chris Hazelman also paid tribute to Laulu in a Facebook post.

"Of all days of the year, you chose today to enter our fathers home, the Feast of St Peter Chanel," he wrote. 

"Too many pics already posted by my cousins are of your later years I know somewhere in my boxes and files there are pictures of our Moamoa days and that's how I choose to remember you. 

"I will prepare something later as we celebrate your life, but for now I share that Chanel College averaged an annual school roll of 300-350. So in your 35 years of service, there are over 12,000 Samoans who had you as their teacher, coach, choir leader, etc."

Fainuulelei James Ah Wai of Moamoa Rooster Sports Club also shared his tribute, saying the late teacher was a kind man. 

"Danny was a player and coach for Chanel College Old Boys Rugby Team combined with our Moamoa Village from 1995 until the early 2000s." 

"He was an amazing player in terms of very accurate with his goal kicking and a very good side stepper, we are blessed to be coached by Danny when I was playing for the Senior A during that time. A very good understanding and vision of the game. 

"Danny was a household name due to his commitment and talents not only in Rugby but Education. He is sorely missed with his smile and very down to earth and humble attitude." 

Pouniu Danny Laulu also known as Danny Laulu played for Marist, Chanel CSL, combine Team with Moamoa and other Samoa National Teams and worked for the Catholic Church through Chanel College at Moamoa, serving 35-years as an accounting teacher.