Top seeds for Marist Sevens confirmed

17 January 2019, 12:00AM

The 31st Marist International Sevens has confirmed the pool arrangement for both the Men’s and Women’s tournament. 

Auckland Samoa is seeded in Pool 1 as defending Champions for the Women’s Tournament. Marist Invitation, runners up of the 2018 Women’s competition and the only team to beat Auckland Samoa during the tournament last year will lead Pool 2.

Auckland and Marist face a challenge ahead in February with Apia Maroons dominating the local series and have grown from strength to strength after each tournament. Christchurch and Captain of Manusina, Sui Pauaraisa poses another obstacle to Auckland Samoa with the speedster bringing a strong contingent from the southern island. 

The 24 teams for the Men’s Division will be divided in 8 pools of 3. The quarterfinalists of 2018 have been designated as top seed for each pool according to its final placement last year. Auckland Marist the defending Champions take the lead in Pool 1 with the runners up and first time finalist last year, Apia in Pool 2.

Former Champions of Marist Sevens, Vaiala and Vailele are in the 3rd and 4th pools. Tepatasi, who was once a developing team from Aleipata but now a powerhouse of local sevens take charge of Pool 5 with Fasitoo in Pool 6. Marist St. Joseph’s as host will be in Pool 7 and finally SCOPA to head the last pool. 

All other teams will be placed during a live draw when Marist officially launch the event on the Friday 1st January 2019 at Tanoa Tusitala Conference Room. 

Teams from the big island of Savaii will add to the dynamics of this year’s tournament which is never short of upsets. Registration have been confirmed for Frankies Tama Uli Salelologa, Safotu Moana Rentals, Iva, and Lupe Siliva.

For Upolu, Moataa will surely enter to redeem its place in Marist Sevens after failing to make the quarters last year. Lufilufi is a new comer to the big stage and as always, teams lift their performances when it comes to Marist. 

Given the huge interest for Marist Sevens each year, places fill up fast and it is strongly encourage to register and pay entrance fee as soon as practical. Registrations are still open and will be closed on the 25th February 2019. Please contact Fata Brian Kaio via [email protected] or 7651704. 

17 January 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>