Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has used the official opening of the Vailima Marist Sevens to rally the Samoan rugby community to rise up.
He challenged the players, coaches, clubs and referees yesterday when he spoke as the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U) before hundreds of players taking part in the three-day tournament, starting today.
Referring to the recent performance of the Manu Samoa Sevens on the World Rugby Sevens Series where the team has slipped below the top 10 in the rankings, Tuilaepa said the “low and embarrassing level of our Sevens rugby” is no longer a secret.
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“We’ve all seen our representative teams being sent to world tournaments,” he said.“Watching them gives you the feeling that we’re trying to learn (how to play rugby) again.”
The Prime Minister blasted the team’s “poor ball handling, lack of speed, being individualistic and the absence of team work.” Some of them, he said, were cowards who run sideways and pass the ball with their eyes closed.
He also lamented the lack of support play and leadership.
“Our team right now looks dead on the field,” he said.“They’re lazy, they don't want to play. The phase of rugby we have reached unfortunately has become an eyesore.”
The Prime Minister said the state of play today calls for new ideas and it requires everyone to rise up. In reference to the Marist Sports Club, Tuilaepa reminded about its role in the Samoan rugby fraternity.
“Marist played a leading role in lifting the standards of Sevens rugby in Samoa,” he said.“You should look at reviving that so we can lift the low standards of rugby in Samoa today.”
At the tournament over the coming days, Tuilaepa said coaches from the Union and members of Sevens Selection panel will be keenly watching for new talent. The tournament will be used as a base to pick the team for Hong Kong and Japan.
“The message to all the players is that if you want to be considered for national selection, play lively and be brave,” he said.
“We don't need cowards, we can see what goes on,on the field. We need players who use their brains wisely, open their eyes (when they play), we need players who play to win, not just to front up for the sake of playing.”
Tuilaepa also had a message to all the management of rugby clubs throughout Samoa.
“Come on, let’s rise up,” he said.
“You’ve now seen the process with international clubs. The old ways are no longer useful. Club rugby should not be treated as a place to socialise and scab a few beers. We need new methods to lift the standard of rugby throughout Samoa.”
Tuilaepa also called for new talents in refereeing and highlighted the importance of grassroots development.
And finally, to the officials and teams from New Zealand, the Prime Minister welcomed them to Samoa saying they were very lucky to be in paradise.
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