The Faleata Rugby Union is very excited to announce its ongoing partnership with Vailima Breweries for the current rugby season and competition. 

The Tournament Director, Lemalu John Lemisio, confirmed with this newspaper the signing of their agreement on Monday at the Vailima Breweries Headquarters in Vaitele. 

"We signed our agreement with Vailima yesterday to sponsor our Faleata Rugby Union 2021, for the amount of $13,000," he said.

"Vailima's contribution to F.R.U. has enabled our union to fund our weekly expenses through referee allowances, F.E.S.A., K.L. securities, hirage of the Marist Field, and other related costs on Saturdays," he added. 

According to Lemalu, the funds will also be used for the 15-a-side competition.  

"It will also assist with our prize giving at the conclusion of the 15s Competition."

The Tournament Director also stated that their partnership with Vailima has been set for 5 years, to the value of $100,000, and for 2021 the union has received $13,000 in cash and $2,000 in kind assistance. 

Vailima was also the F.R.U's major sponsor in the previous year, with Lemalu saying their tournaments and competitions last year were all successful, so they wish to continue that momentum. 

The teams competing in this year's 15s competitions are Marist St. Joseph's, Tuanai, Vailoa, Falelauniu Storms, Taufusi Eels, Malie Sharks, and other teams within the Faleata region. 

Marist St. Joseph's are still the holders of the Faleata Rugby Union shield for the Senior A division. 

The Faleata Rugby Union's ongoing 15s competition will be used to select a team for the Super Nine in July. 

So far, the progress of the players in the F.R.U has been commendable, as many have made it in to the national teams with a few in the Manu Samoa, Manuma, and other teams.

F.R.U is one of the more active unions in Samoa with the development of their players, and with their outreach programs. Last year, they had a Quick-Rip outreach program featuring the schools in the Faleata region.

This year the F.R.U welcomed three new teams into their union, which is Tuanai, Vailoa, and Falelauniu Storms.