The Moata'a Rugby Club has Taumeasina Island Resort and Matson to thank for a new look debuted at the Vailima International Sevens tournament yesterday.

The team’s main sponsor presented the new jerseys last weekend; it is not the first time they have donated to the team.

Taumesina’s General Manager, Tuiataga Nathan Bucknall, told the Samoa Observer that it is a pleasure to sponsor the village team which has supported the hotel's operations over the years.

Tuiataga made special mention of Savae Sir Michael Jones is Matson who is the Pacific's General Manager as they both contributed to the new uniform that cost almost $20,000.

He stated that the new sports gears are so much better than the last and is confident the Moata'a Rugby Club will have a great placing in the current tournament.

The rugby club is an eight-time cup holder of the Marist Samoa International Sevens. It has appeared in 13 of the Cup’s finals matches.

The Moata'a Rugby Club had also had successful finishes in the Tuiasau National Samoa sevens, Apia Rugby Union sevens, Ulalei Auckland sevens, Tonga National sevens and Singapore sevens.

The club, the current holders of the Apia Rugby Union shield, are hoping for a successful year. 

The club’s Chairman, Falepauga Filipo Saena, acknowledged all of its sponsors without whom, he said, they would not be able to continue their "winning ways"

"We acknowledge the support of our main sponsors, Taumeasina Island Resort and Matson," he said.

"We are also grateful for the generosity and kindness of our other associate sponsors: Taupau Bruce Leiataua; Tanoa Samoa, Malaeolela Valerie Tuia; Taumesina Rentals; Laura Fepuleai’; Pacific Fiduciaries Samoa Ltd.; and Tauiliili Sara Iona - Taumeasina Hideaway."

Each time the Manu Samoa won the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, both winning captains were old boys of the Moataa Rugby Club: Danny Kaleopa and Lolo Lui.