The Marist Saints Rugby League team delivered a stellar performance at the Heilala International 9s Tournament in Tonga, showcasing their talent and determination across three intense days of competition over the weekend. 

Despite falling short in the final against the Tonga Development Bank (TDB) Niners, the Saints left an indelible mark on the tournament by winning all their pool matches and securing victories in both the quarterfinals and semifinals.

The Saints began their campaign on Thursday with a commanding display, topping their pool with successive wins. Their momentum carried into Friday’s quarterfinals, where they continued to impress and advanced confidently to the semifinals. In that round, the Saints maintained their strong form, securing another win that propelled them into the tournament’s grand finale. Their journey to the final was a clear reflection of their skill, teamwork, and unwavering spirit.

In the much-anticipated final, the Saints faced the TDB Niners, a tough and determined team from Tonga. Despite putting up a valiant effort, the Saints were unable to hold off the Niners, who made a strong comeback to claim the historic title. The final was a hard-fought contest that saw the TDB Niners emerge as deserving champions.

Although disappointed with the outcome, the Marist Saints expressed immense pride in their performance throughout the tournament. The team acknowledged the Niners’ victory, stating, “Big Fakamālō to the Tonga National Team (TDB) – what a comeback and well-deserved win.” 

They also praised their players for their effort and heart, emphasising that their journey was far from over and promising to keep moving forward. The tournament marked an important milestone for the Saints, highlighting their growth and potential on the international stage. Supporters rallied behind the team, with social media filled with messages of encouragement and the rallying cry “SaintsUp!” symbolizing the team’s resilience and bright future.

With the Heilala 9s 2025 now concluded, the Marist Saints are already looking ahead to next year’s tournament, declaring their determination to come back stronger. For now, Samoa celebrates the Marist Saints’ remarkable run, a journey that brought pride to the nation and reinforced their status among the Pacific’s rugby league elite.