SCB Apia Maroons, Tepatasi crowned champions

By Hyunsook Siutaia 26 October 2020, 6:00AM

The SCB Apia Maroons women’s team and Tepatasi are the winners of the 2020 Iva Savaii 7s tournament with major sponsor Vodafone Samoa praising their sportsmanship.

The annual rugby tournament was hosted by the Iva EFKS Youth Group on Saturday and strives to grow the sport of rugby 7s on the big Island of Savai’i. 

This year’s Vodafone Iva Savaii 7s tournament had 32 men's teams and six women's teams, who represented their respective villages to vie for the Vodafone Iva Savaii 7s championships.

The women’s final between SCB Apia Maroons and St Pierre Malotau was an exciting game as the two teams showcased exceptional rugby talent. 

SCB Apia Maroons took the top honors when they came out victors 12–10 over St Pierre Malotau. While the men's finals between Tepatasi and Matniuel Lauli'i Lions had the crowd on the edge of their seats with some great flowing rugby. Ultimately, Tepatasi took home the tournament cup winning 26-7 over Matniuel Lauli’I Lions.

The Vodafone Samoa CEO, Nofoasaefa Satish Sharma, said in a statement that the company is proud of its association and support for the rugby tournament. 

“Our sponsorship of the Vodafone Iva Sevens in Savai’i is something we’re passionate about and it shows year after year, and in the way we’ve always supported our Manu Samoa 7s team and the local club 7’s tournaments,” he said.

“It’s inspiring and for us as naming sponsors to see so much of our local young men and women play with so much passion. 

“We see so much talent in Savai’i and we want to help them grow. Some of the local rugby 7s players could eventually end up playing for our main Manu Samoa 7s teams. 

“Switch to Vodafone as we continue to support our local sporting teams.”

Nofoasaefa added that their clients also had a great time watching from the Vodafone VIP tent and parents and their children were also kept entertained by the various entertainment options on offer. 

“Our VIP clients had a great view of the game cheering on their favorite team from the Vodafone VIP Tent. 

“Parents had their kids entertained with free bouncy castles & games whilst they too cheered on their team.  

“This is what Vodafone is all about, we’re all about supporting our communities and helping develop Rugby talent.”

Praising the community in Savai’i for showing true sportsmanship, Nofoasaefa said watching the tournament was rewarding for both customers and families in Savai’i.

“We love the spirit in Savai’I and staying true to our Always More Campaign, it is very rewarding to give back to our customers and families of Savai’i. It’s a part of our social corporate responsibility – it’s our way of saying Thank you for supporting Vodafone.”

The predecessor of Vodafone Samoa, BlueSky, has been an avid supporter of the Iva Savaii 7s tournament for five consecutive years.

By Hyunsook Siutaia 26 October 2020, 6:00AM
Samoa Observer

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