History in the making

21 September 2016, 12:00AM

Rugby League Samoa is on the verge of making history.

This year marks 30 years of the organisation and to celebrate the milestone, Digicel and Rugby League Samoa will host the first full international Rugby League Test match to be played in the Pacific Islands. 

The historic test between Fiji Bati and Toa Samoa will be played at the Apia Park Stadium on Saturday, 8 October with the kick off time set at 4.40pm.

For the President of Rugby League, Tagaloa Fa’afouina Su’a, it’s an exciting time for the sport. 

He is particularly grateful to the support of companies like Digicel, who have pumped half a million tala worth of help to make the event possible.

Tagaloa’s excitement is shared by the Chief Executive Officer of Digicel, Rory Condon. 

“We have been impressed with the passion and performance of Toa Samoa and applaud the ambition of Rugby League Samoa to host this match,” he said. 

“Digicel has been supporting N.R.L across the Pacific with its Outreach programme, and this partnership with Rugby League Samoa is the perfect next step in driving the development and awareness of the sport here in Samoa.”

 “It’s a very exciting time with the 30th birthday celebrations and with the Rugby League World Cup next year.  With Samoa placed highly in the rankings, the future is bright.  

“Digicel is looking forward to showcasing the game across the Pacific, through its broadcasting partnership with Digicel PNG and TV1 Samoa” said Mr. Condon

Digicel’s commitment is valued at over $500,000 tala and involves the production and international broadcasting of the match in partnership with TV1, marketing, ticket distribution and various other sponsorship activities.

The Toa Samoa and Fiji Bati teams will include top professional players from the Australian N.R.L and UK Super League competitions so fans can expect to be treated to a fast and high impact test match. 

The test has added significance for both teams not just for bragging rights but also for world rankings where Toa Samoa is currently ranked No.4 in the World.

Other matches scheduled for the day include a Women’s Exhibition game at 11.30am; New South Wales U16 v Toa Samoa U16 at 12.45pm and New South Wales Residents v Toa Samoa Residents at 2.30pm. There will also be a big range of TOA Samoa fan wear available for sale at the Park.

Other activities planned for the week include two games that will be played in Savaii on Monday October 3rd and a Fan Day on Thursday October 6th

The Savaii games will be played at the Prince Edward Park in Iva. The day will kick off at 10am with The New South Wales U16 playing the Salafai U16 and at 11am the New South Wales Country 13 will face the Salafai 13. 

The Fan Day on Thursday October 6th starts at 4pm at the Samoa Tourism Authority Village and this will be a great opportunity for fans and the public to meet the players and management from all teams.

Tickets for the game can be purchased from any of the Digicel Retail Outlets located at the SNPZ Plaza, Frankies Fugalei Mall, TATTE building, Motootua, Matafele, Vaitele, Faleolo Airport, Salelologa Market, and Frankies Salelologa.

Ticket prices are $50 for the Middle Grand Stand, $30 for the side covered Grandstands; $20 for the open stands and $10 for general admission.

A limited number of Corporate Box tickets are available and these can be purchased from Digicel Head Office at the SNPF Plaza.

21 September 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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