Step in the right direction, Chinese Ambassador says

By Ulimasao Fata 11 January 2018, 12:00AM

China’s Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng believes the memorandum of understanding signed between the Samoa Rugby Union and China Rugby Union is a step in the right direction.

“It’s a friendly collaboration; it’s win-win collaboration for the two countries,” Mr. Wang said.

“So cooperation with Samoa can improve the sport of rugby in China and we also hope we can make great achievements in the international competition, such as the Olympic Games.

“So the Embassy of China in Samoa supports this collaboration and we hope we can achieve great success in this collaboration.”

The M.O.U was signed in Beijing on the December 8th, 2017.

A delegation from the Samoa Rugby Union was invited by the Chinese Embassy to visit and observe Rugby in China.

“Last year our two countries began the collaboration in rugby.

“Just four weeks ago, a group from the Samoa Rugby Union was invited by Chinese Embassy to have a successful visit to China.

“And just in this visit, the delegation of the Samoa Rugby Union signed the M.O.U. for the collaboration in Rugby with their counterpart in China.”

Part of the agreement between the two nations was improving rugby.

China Rugby is interested in bringing experienced coaches from Samoa to train their players and Chinese players to train in Samoa.

“I think it’s a good beginning, from now we are confident that the collaboration between our two nations will be a great success.

“So in the future, we can have high level Samoa Rugby coaches to teach the Chinese Rugby players in China.

“And also we hope we can send the Chinese Rugby players to receive the trainings in Samoa.”

The Chinese delegation visited Samoa.

Samoa Prime Minister and Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi welcomed the delegation.

Mr. Wang believes Samoa is a proud rugby nation and Samoa has produced great achievements in rugby.

“All the people of Samoa love rugby, with very good coaches and very good experience in training of rugby players.

“So as a friend of Samoa, we are very proud of Samoa’s achievements.

“Samoa has a very strong rugby team (Manu Samoa) and Samoa national team had made great achievements in the international competition for many times.”

He hopes the M.O.U. will help develop rugby in China.

“China has a very strong team in other sports such as table tennis, badminton, and swimming, but for rugby, it’s still on the way in developing.

“Rugby sport began in China many years ago, many provinces have rugby tournaments, but rugby is not that popular as other sports.”

By Ulimasao Fata 11 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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