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Fa’alauiloa le ‘au ‘a le Penina Sāmoa mō le la ta’aloga ma le Penina ‘a Tonga

by | Apr 8, 2026 | Ta'aloga

08 April 2026, Apia, Samoa — Lakapi Samoa has officially unveiled the Penina Samoa squad, following a successful launch event held at the STA Fale, Apia.

The event marked a significant milestone for women’s rugby in Samoa, with the introduction of the Penina Samoa team ahead of their upcoming match against Penina Tonga in Nuku’alofa this Friday, 10 April 2026.

The launch was attended by key stakeholders, sponsors, and families. Acting Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Mr. Simon Dawkins, delivered the keynote address, acknowledging the importance of continued investment and support for the women’s game. Lakapi Samoa Interim Chairman, Afioga Namulauulu Papalii Sami Leota, also addressed guests, highlighting the progress and commitment towards strengthening women’s rugby pathways in Samoa.

The naming of the squad signals an important step in the team’s preparations as they look to represent Samoa with pride on the international stage.

Comments from Lakapi Samoa Interim Chairman, Afioga Namulauulu Papalii Sami Leota:

“This is an important step in strengthening our pathway to Manusina Samoa. With increased support and investment in the women’s game, our focus is on performance and ensuring our players are ready for future international competitions.”

Comments from Acting Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Mr. Simon Dawkins:

“The establishment of Penina Samoa provides a clear pathway for homegrown players to pursue high performance rugby while building towards future competitions, including the Oceania Women’s Championship and beyond. I commend Lakapi Samoa for its vision and continued investment in women’s rugby, creating opportunities that will inspire the next generation of Manusina players.”

Lakapi Samoa extends its appreciation to its partners and supporters for their ongoing commitment to the growth of women’s rugby in Samoa.

Penina Samoa Squad

  1. Maria Korretti Tilo – Togafuafua, Falelatai – No Idea
  2. Maria Erenei Nikolao – Fagaloa, Auala – Savaii Queens
  3. Maiamoana Iefune – Faleasiu – Striders
  4. Anasis Afi’a – Faleapuna, Aufaga – No Idea
  5. Ogeata Moea’i Sione – Tafitoala, Safa’i Savaii – Apia Maroons
  6. Ema Suafai – Letogo, Falefaa – No Idea
  7. Teuila Suifaatu Aukusitino – Siumu – No Idea
  8. Fogamanono Tusiga – Falelatai, Fasitoo – Striders
  9. Maredla Punavaioleola Latavao – Vaimoso, Leufisa – No Idea
  10. Rhonda Semau – Vailuutai – No Idea
  11. Frieda Vaisa Seupule – Laulii, Lalomalava – Striders
  12. Gloria Talalelei Olaitaua Soloi – Foailalo, Sagone – Savaii Queens
  13. Araisa Isamaeli Fetaiai – Saanapu, Safata – No Idea
  14. Charity Papaigalagala Misiluki – Maagiagi, Fagalii – No Idea
  15. Perise Tumutumu – Saleaumu’a, Aleipata – Tepatasi
  16. Faaaloalo Christina Luafitu – Vailoa Palauli, Fasitoo Uta – Striders
  17. Ofa Sopoaga – Lalovi Mulifanua, Manono Uta – Apia Maroons
  18. Janell Fereti Faanana – Salailua, Satupaitea – Savaii Queens
  19. Fofoga Vaa – Maagiagi, Salelologa – No Idea
  20. Saelea Vanessa Leaula – Siusega, Faiaai – No Idea
  21. Leutu Iefata Suesi – Siumu, Saoluafata – No Idea
  22. Lutia Col Aumua – Salani Falealili, Matatufu – No Idea
  23. Tufi Samasoni – Faleasiu, Matatufu – No Idea
  24. Foerina Roma Finau – Moataa, Lefaga Safato’a – Apia Maroons
  25. Upu Talavini Kaisara – Lelepa, Puapua – Tane Pearls
  26. Ane Fereti Faanana – Salailua, Satupaitea – Savaii Queens
  27. Siluando Lafai – Maagiagi, Saleaula – No Idea
  28. Rovina Zuzanne Pelive Gapa – Vavau, Samusu – Tepatasi

Management

  1. Filoi Eneliko – Head Coach – Vaimoso
  2. Rachel Wilson – Manager – Vaimoso, Sapapalii
  3. Afa Aiono – S&C & Assistant Coach – Leulumoeaga, Fasitoo Uta
  4. Mailo Potu Leavasa – Assistant Coach – Vaimoso
  5. Apollos Paramore – Physiotherapist – Pesega
  6. Junior Narayan – Media Analyst – Sinamoga, Poutasi Falealili
  7. Leleiga Faleni Tanoa – Development Coach – Fagamalo, Malie
  8. Princevaa Lalovi Lome – Development Coach – Satalo Falealili, Leauvaa
  9. Talaleleioivaipouli Tuua Tamala – Development Coach – Maagiagi, Taga
  10. Hani Samaeli Liufau – Referee – Auala, Letui

The squad is scheduled to depart Apia for Nuku’alofa on Thursday, 9 April at 5:00am via Fiji.

Match Details:

Penina Samoa v Penina Tonga – “Battle of the Pacific”
10th April 2026 | 4:00PM
Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa Tonga

– MEDIA RELEASE ENDS –

ATA: Supplied.