Muliagatele Brian Lima, son of the late Tuliaupupu Pala Lima, has been formally bestowed the Tuliaupupu title, marking a historic moment for the village of Letogo as both branches of the Tuliaupupu lineage are now united under their respective titleholders.

The ceremony began at dawn on Friday, drawing hundreds of villagers, relatives near and far, church leaders, and officials. Tuliaupupu Fata Muliagatele Brian Lima II received the title once held by his late father, Tuliaupupu Pala Lima. In January 2024, he was also bestowed the Fata title along with his son.

Sitting humbly during the traditional ‘ava ceremony, he accepted the honour, thanked the villagers and families, acknowledged his late father, and expressed his wish that his father could have been present for the special day. The ava ceremony then proceeded to the former Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No.1, Tuliaupupu Sulamanaia Tuivasa Tauiliili of the Gatopai side, the holder of the second Tuliaupupu title in Letogo. 

Sulamanaia Tuivasa Tauiliili acknowledged Tuliaupupu’s bestowement, expressing confidence that his leadership and longstanding service to Samoa would guide the Tuliaupupu Muliagatele family into its next chapter. He also urged him to remember the hard work and service of his parents, which helped prepare him for this role.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt attended alongside his wife, Tupea Heather Schmidt, who is also Tuliaupupu’s sister.

Tuliaupupu, the youngest son of the late Tuliaupupu Pala Lima and Talaetau Lima, now carries forward the Tuliaupupu Muliagatele lineage.

Beyond his chiefly duties, Tuliaupupu remains one of Samoa’s most popular sporting personalities. Nicknamed “The Chiropractor” for his tackles in rugby, he became the youngest player to appear in a Rugby World Cup (RWC) when he made his debut in 1991 at 19. He later made history in 2007 by becoming the first player to compete in five RWC tournaments.

Over a 16-year international career, Tuliaupupu earned 64 caps, scored 31 tries, and captained Samoa twice. He also represented Samoa in three Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments and lifted major professional titles, including Super Rugby with the Blues and the French Top 14 championship with Stade Francais.