The national deaf 7s team was farewelled by the Samoa Association of Sports and the National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) as they departed for Australia in their first-ever Pacific Rim tournament.

Caretaker Minister of Sports and Recreation, Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell, said this was a proud and powerful moment just for the team and all of Samoa. 

"This campaign reminds us that sport has the power to uplift, to include, and to transform lives. You are trailblazers for our deaf community, and your journey aligns fully with the government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development. We wish you every success, you are already champions," he said.

The farewell was witnessed by representatives from the government, partner organisations, families, friends, and supporters who gathered to celebrate the team and offer their prayers and encouragement.

This marks only the second time in Samoa’s history that a national deaf 7s team will participate in an international tournament, following their silver medal performance at the 2019 Oceania Deaf 7s in Fiji. The 2025 campaign will see Samoa take on Japan, Fiji, and the hosts Australia across two match days on 28 and 29 June at Surfers Paradise Rugby Union Club. All matches to be streamed live.

President of the Samoa Deaf Association, Eli Sio said the journey had been transformative for the players and the deaf community.

“This campaign began just four months ago. It has been challenging from the start, but it has brought our community together with a renewed sense of purpose and unity, created a platform for our athletes to show that deaf can. Our team has trained hard physically, mentally, and spiritually. They carry with them the pride of a sports-loving nation,” he said.

The campaign builds on recent milestones within the deaf community, including the historic university graduations of Matthew Pitovao and Maselina Fiso, and the trailblazing participation of Miracle Afele in the 2023 Miss Samoa pageant.

The travelling team are:

• Vitaliano Lui  (Lotopa, Taga, Siusega)
• Daniel Mataia (Moamoa, Falealili)
• Mikaele Kalolo Lemalie (Leauvaa)
• Eli Enesi Sio (Neiafu, Aleisa, Moamoa)
• Ionatana Leutele (Talimatau, Taga, Sataua)
• Olivaseigafo Mavaega (Afega)
• Leone Nagayama Peteru (Leusoalii, Vailele, Siumu)
• Poka Kalolo Tuifelasai (Faleasiu)
• Orikene Vaipae (Lepuiai Manono-Uta)
• Kelemete Tema Kalapu Taliai (Afega)
• Posesione Posesione Leilua (Malie, Faletagaloa)
• Vailoa Fili Petelo (Toamua, Faleula, Falealili, Nofoalii)
• Pilitia Tuivale (Lano, Safune, Salailua, Saleimoa)
• Faofua Faalafi (Malie, Vaigaga, Vaiala)
• Pouleta Faulafo (Mulifanua, Tufulele)

Management:

• Tausa Faamaoni Lalomilo - Head Coach
• Taupau Alex Mikaele - Team Manager
• Soane Taugatigaina Ah Ken - Assistant Team Manager
• Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio - Technical Advisor 
• Marie Enosa - Sign Language Interpreter 
• Russell Watts - Sign Language Interpreter