For 20-year-old  Poka Kalolo Tuifelasai, hailing from Faleasiu, rugby is more than just a sport — it’s a way to represent his country, his community, and the deaf Samoan identity on the international stage.

As the youngest member of the Samoa Deaf Rugby team, Tuifelasai is preparing to travel overseas for the very first time. He’ll join his teammates at the Pacific Rim Deaf 7s tournament, taking place in Gold Coast, Australia, on 28–29 June 2025.

“I feel really good,” he said. “It is my first time, and I have been training with all the boys,"

"We do weight training and sometimes I get a little bit sore but it's really good to be with them all."

With just a month to go, the team is in full preparation mode, training four times per week. According to Tuifelasai, the energy in the squad is high. 

"Hopefully, we'll do well - All the deaf boys are motivated and have been training hard.”

He credits much of the team’s progress to their coaching staff, including sign language interpreter Marie Enosa and team manager Taupau Alex Mikaele, who have been instrumental in organising the team.

"We have some good coaches who are teaching us all the skills. Alex and Marie have been helping us a lot," he said.

As the youngest player, Tuifelasai brings speed and a drive to improve. “Because I'm the youngest. I'm very motivated. I like to help and train with the others. The others are a little bit more experienced than I, but I love my rugby and hopefully I'm getting better,” he said.

Outside rugby, he works full-time at the Land Transport Authority in Samoa in the licensing office— a job he’s had for over a year. Balancing work and training hasn’t been easy, but Tuifelasai is determined to make the most of this opportunity.

With one month to go, Tuifelasai's excitement and dedication shine through — qualities that make him a powerful force on and off the field.