Former Manu Samoa captain, national rugby representative, police officer, builder, and church minister Reverend Susuga Alesana has passed away at the age of 72. He was described as a strong, disciplined man whose life revolved around rugby, faith, and service.

His passing marks the loss of a respected figure in Samoa’s rugby history, church community, and wider society.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, his wife, Faasalusalu Susuga Alesana of Malie, reflected on her late husband’s life.

Rev. Susuga married his wife in 1977 while he was actively playing rugby. Rugby was his greatest passion, and he trained hard throughout his playing career.

He made his debut for Manu Samoa against Tonga in Suva, Fiji, in 1979. In 1985, he became captain of the Manu Samoa team and led the side to its first-ever tournament victory, a historic achievement for Samoa rugby. 

Alongside rugby, Rev. Susuga worked many jobs to support his family. He was a builder and later served in the police force, reaching the rank of sergeant. Despite his demanding schedule, rugby remained a priority in his life, often coming before family, as his wife recalled.

He was educated at Maluafou College and later pursued higher education. In 1992, while the family was living in America, Rev. Susuga expressed his desire to study at Malua Theological College and become a church minister. Although his wife was hesitant at first, she supported his decision. He chose this path to follow in the footsteps of his father, a retired reverend, as both his parents had served as church ministers in Falealupo.

The family later returned to Samoa, where Rev. Susuga graduated from Malua Theological College. He and his wife were then assigned to serve the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) in Vavau. This became their first and only church posting, where they served faithfully from 1997 until their retirement in 2024.

Rev. Susuga is survived by his wife, seven children—three daughters and four sons—and 26 grandchildren. His wife described him as a humble, calm, and gentle man who deeply loved his children and maintained a close relationship with all of them. She shared that he was known for his calm nature and rarely argued, choosing instead to offer advice. He was also a social person who was well known in the community.

She revealed that Rev. Susuga had been unwell since 2013. After his passing, she learned that he had been suffering from cancer for nearly 20 years, a condition he endured quietly. One of their children, a doctor overseas, was aware of his illness, but she believed his health issues were part of a normal sickness. She said he had suffered for a long time and can now finally rest.

His youngest son, Richard, shared that he has many memories of his father and described their relationship as emotionally close. He recalled that his father often encouraged his children not to pursue rugby but instead to focus on work and earning income to support their families.

In a statement, Lakapi Samoa paid tribute to Rev. Susuga Alesana, acknowledging his leadership, humility, and service both on and off the field, describing him as a man of rugby, a man of God, and a servant of Samoa.

Preparations have already begun for Rev. Susuga Alesana’s funeral at his family home in Moataa.