Federal Pacific Insurance Samoa has committed $3 million over the next two years as the major sponsor of Lakapi Samoa in one of the biggest sponsorship deals for provincial rugby in recent years.

The sponsorship was officially unveiled on Friday night at the Taumeasina Island Resort, alongside the launch of the National Provincial Championship (NPC) 2026, which commences on Saturday. Lakapi Samoa interim chairman and General Manager of Federal Pacific Samoa, Namulauulu Sami Leota, described the partnership as a major step forward for rugby in Samoa.

“Rugby is a game that’s always loved by Samoa,” he said in an interview with the Samoa Observer. “At this stage, as part of the organisation, we’ve been looking for sponsors, and we’re so happy that we got feedback.” The sponsorship will cover Manusina XV, Manu Samoa, and the sevens teams.

Namulauulu said the sponsorship package from Federal Pacific Insurance totals SAT $3 million over two years and is expected to support provincial rugby development and strengthen Lakapi Samoa’s long-term plans ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027 preparations. “We’ve already got the programme from World Rugby, and it’s been planned for four years,” Namulauulu said. “We’re just running on that schedule at the moment and carrying it on from here.”

Part of the sponsorship included gifting three brand-new vehicles: two 2025 Ford Rangers and a Hyundai Tucson. “See, the whole idea is to assist. There's no doubt that rugby is a game that's always loved by Samoa,” he said. Namulauulu said Federal Pacific Samoa has supported rugby for many years, even outside public attention.

“Federal Pacific is not the first time it’s come on board. It’s been on board for many, many times, sometimes unannounced,” he said. “So this is probably the biggest one ever since I’ve been involved with Rugby Samoa.”

Having spent more than 20 years involved in Samoan rugby administration, Namulauulu said seeing rugby continue to grow remains a personal passion. “It’s always my passion to see rugby grow,” he said. He also acknowledged Federal Pacific Chairman Alan Hutchison and the company’s directors for backing Lakapi Samoa through the partnership.

“We’re hoping that we’re going to continue on this partnership and deliver on their expectations,” he added.

Manu Samoa manager Su'a Hesed Ieremia told the Samoa Observer the sponsorship would also benefit young players developing through local rugby pathways. “I’m just grateful for the partnership that we have with Pacific Insurance to continue our journey to the Rugby World Cup,” he said. “Most of it is going back into the pathways for our boys… the development pathways that we have on the island, where it all begins, and all starts.”