SUVA, FIJI — Independent Boxing Samoa (IBS) has delivered a masterclass at the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva, Fiji, returning home with an astonishing haul of 12 gold and 7 silver medals.

The collective performance at the highly competitive regional tournament establishes Team Samoa as formidable talent across both youth and elite age divisions.

Following Samoa’s historic success last month at the Youth World Cup in Thailand—where the team won a Gold and Silver medal—this performance in Fiji over the weekend is a true testament to the development of world-class boxers at IBS.

The medal haul is the direct result of a gruelling, weeks-long training camp with intense skills and conditioning regimes. Equally important to their physical preparation was the team’s strong spiritual foundation. Faith remains central to the entire squad.

The preparation was overseen by president, Tavu’i Mike Lemisio alongside head trainer and boxing legend, Faumuina To’aletai David Tua. Having a heavyweight icon like Tua leading the charge provided the team with world-class technical insights and the fighting spirit needed to dominate on the international stage.

The leadership team was further bolstered by a dedicated management and assistant coaching staff, which included Kelemete Vui, Tagaloa Rudy Roebeck, and Leuatea James Schmidt. Their combined efforts ensured the team was finely tuned and highly motivated.

“Despite our limited resources, IBS strives to provide our young fighters the international pathways they deserve,” said IBS President, Tavu’i Mike Lemisio.
“We could only send a small team of four boys and one girl to the Youth World Cup last month, but we hope to one day field a full team covering all weight classes and genders for all world events. With the help of the government and local businesses, and faith in God, we are working towards giving our athletes the opportunities they work so hard for.”

Elite Age Squad

• Saliuafi Tuautu (75kg): Team captain led by example, dominating his division to win 2 Gold medals
• Jolando Ta’ala (90+kg): Won 1 Gold medal and received Best Male Boxer trophy
• Ioane Ioane (60kg): Secured 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal, defeating the Papua New Guinea champion
• Darius Poulava (80kg): Claimed 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal
• Luke Schwalger (85kg): Won 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal

Youth Squad

• Alavine Sasa (60kg): Captured 2 Gold medals, beating the Fijian No. 1
• Anthony Lama-Roebeck (65kg): Won 2 Gold medals
• Mike Vui (70kg): Earned 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal
• Wells Matua (80kg): Claimed 1 Gold medal, defeating the Fijian champion
• Polu Ta’avao (85kg): Won 1 Silver medal
• Tasi Saufoi (90kg): Won 1 Silver medal

With two successful campaigns at the World Boxing Futures Cup and Pacific Nations Cup, IBS now looks forward to hosting:

• Oceania Boxing Championships
• International Marist Boxing Event
• A professional boxing showcase event

The organisation is also preparing Team Samoa for:

• Commonwealth Games
• Elite World Cup
• Youth Olympic Games

Our grassroots training programme and IBS Academy is open to all ages, Monday-Thursday, weekly. Independent Boxing Samoa Inc. is the official national federation and governing body for the sport of boxing in Samoa.

ATA: Supplied.

‘I le Lakapi Supa, ‘o lea ‘ua fa’amaonia mai le fa’amutaina ai ‘o le fa’alepō mō le ‘au lakapi ‘a le Moana Pasifika.

‘O le Aso Lulu ‘ananafi lea na fa’ailoa mai ai fa’alaua’itele ‘e le pulega ‘o le Moana Pasifika, ‘o le fa’aletonu ‘o mea tau tupe ‘ua faia ai le fa’ai’uga ‘e fa’ata’ape, ‘e lē toe faia, le ‘au lakapi lenei ‘o le Moana Pasifika, pe ‘a ‘uma le ta’amilosaga ‘o lakapi supa ‘o le 2026, ‘o lo’o fa’agāsolo ‘i le taimi nei.

‘O lenei fa’ai’uga ‘ua fa’amatalaina, ‘o se aso pogisa mo le ‘au lakapi ma latou ‘uma ‘o lo’o a’afia ai ‘i le taumafaiga ‘o le Moana Pasifika.

‘Ua lima tausaga talu ‘ona fa’avaeina le fa’alāpotopotoga ‘e pulea ma fa’afoeina le Moana Pasifika, a’o lea ‘ua iai le fuafuaga ‘o le ‘a fa’amuta ‘e lē toe fa’aauauina ‘i le 2027 ‘ona ‘o fa’afitauli ‘i mea tau tupe ‘e fa’agaioi ai lea ‘au ‘o le ta’amilosaga ‘o lakapi supa.

‘O le fa’alāpotopotoga ‘a Fōma’i Pasefika, le Pacific Medical Association, po’o le PMA lea sā lagolagoina mālosi le ‘au, ma ‘o latou fo’i ‘e ona le Moana Pasifika, peita’i, ‘o lea ‘ua fa’ama’amulu le PMA ‘ona ‘e mana’omia se vāegatupe ‘e o’o ‘I le $10-miliona talā mo le fa’auauina ‘o lenei ‘au lakapi.

‘E tele faitioga ‘ua faia fa’asaga ‘I le pulega ‘o lakapi ‘a le lalolagi fa’apea ai ma le iuni lakapi ‘a Niu Sila ‘ona ‘o lenei mea ‘ua aliali mai.

‘Ua fa’aālia ai fa’alaua’itele ‘e le Pulenu’u ‘o Lower Hutt, ‘iā Fauono Ken Laban, ‘o le mea ‘ua tupu nei ‘I le ‘au ‘a le Moana Pasifika, ‘o se fa’anoanoaga tele mo le ta’aloga lakapi ma na te tu’uā’ia ai lakapi ‘a le lalolagi fa’apea ma le Iuni lakapi ‘a Niu Sila, ‘i le leai ‘o se taumafaiga ‘e mautinoa ai le iai pea ‘o se ‘au lakapi ‘e ta’u ai le pasefika, ‘i le ta’amilosaga ‘o lakapi supa ‘i totonu ‘o Niu Sila.

Peita’i, na tā’ua ‘i nisi lipoti ‘e le’i fa’amautaina, ‘e iai nisi fa’alāpotopotoga ‘o lo’o mānana’o latou te fia lagolagoina le fa’aauauina ‘o le ‘au lakapi lenei ‘o le Moana Pasifika ‘i le lumana’i.

Link to Moana Pasifika Press Release: https://moanapasifika.co.nz/moana-pasifika-set-to-conclude-super-rugby-chapter-at-the-end-of-the-2026-season/

ATA: Moana Pasifika / Facebook

‘E maoa’e le manumālō ‘a le ‘au ‘a le Hurricanes ‘i le lā ta’aloga ma le Blues ‘i le fa’ai’uga ‘o le vaiaso, ‘i ‘ai ‘e 42 i le 19. ‘E tā le ‘afa ‘o sili ‘ai ‘a le Hurricanes 21 ‘i le 12. ‘O le vaiaso nei ‘i le Aso To’ana’i ‘e ta’a’alo ai le Hurricanes ma le Chiefs ‘i Hamiltone. ‘O le ta’aloga ‘i le vā ‘o le Reds ma le Crusaders na manumālō ai le Reds ‘i ‘ai ‘e 31 ‘i le 26. ‘O le Sifi na manumālō ‘i ‘ai ‘e 62 ‘i le 17 ‘a le Moana Pasefika. Manumālō le Brumbies ‘i le lā ta’aloga ma le Highlanders 14 i le 10. ‘O Fiti na manumālō ‘i ‘ai ‘e 24 ‘i le 22  ‘a le Force.

Link to RNZ (Article): https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/592104/hurricanes-underline-title-credentials-with-big-win-over-the-blues

ATA: Hurricanes / Facebook

‘Ua fa’ai’uina ma le manuia le Ta’amilosaga Ta’ito’afitu Aoao ‘a Ā’oga Tūlaga 2 ‘uma ‘i Sāmoa, le National Secondary School’s Sevens (7s) Tournament 2026.

‘O le i’uga ‘o le ta’amilosaga ‘i ‘au ‘a ali’i ma tama’ita’i: Under 14s, Under 16s ma le Under 18s, ‘ua siamupini ai ā’oga ‘e 3 mai le Motu tele ‘i Salāfai, ma le ā’oga ‘e 1 ‘i Upolu.

2026 CHAMPIONS

Under 14 Girls Champions: Church College Vaiola

Under 14 Boys Champions: Amoa College

Under 16 Girls Champions: Itu o Tane College

Under 16 Boys Champions: Church College Vaiola

Under 18 Girls Champions: Itu o Tane College

Under 18 Boys Champions: Leulumoega Fou College

ATA: Lakapi Samoa

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.

01 April 2026, Apia, Samoa — Lakapi Samoa is proud to announce the appointment of Fuimaono Bella Milo as Head Coach of the Manusina national team.

A New Zealand–born Samoan with heritage from the villages of Solosolo and Salani, Fuimaono brings a wealth of international playing and coaching experience to the role. She is currently based in Hong Kong, where she serves as Women’s Club Coaching Officer for Valley RFC.

Fuimaono enjoyed an outstanding 18-year international career representing Manusina in both sevens and fifteens. She made her debut at just 19 years old and went on to represent Samoa at the Rugby World Cups in 2006 and 2014.

Her transition into coaching began while still playing, taking on roles at Premiership level in Hong Kong alongside national-level appointments. She was a member of the Hong Kong Women’s National Team staff during their historic first Women’s Rugby World Cup appearance in 2017, where she served as Strength and Conditioning Coach and Backs Coach.

Following her retirement from international rugby, Fuimaono continued to build her coaching portfolio, joining the World Rugby Internship Programme with Manusina in 2024. She was later part of the Manusina coaching team at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, serving as Defence Coach — a role she carried out while six months pregnant, reflecting her commitment and resilience.

Fuimaono’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Manusina, as Lakapi Samoa continues to strengthen its pathways and performance structures within the women’s game.

She is deeply committed to giving back to the sport that shaped her, with a strong focus on developing opportunities and sustainable pathways for women’s rugby.

Comments from Lakapi Samoa CEO, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun:

“Fuimaono brings a strong blend of international playing experience and proven coaching capability. Her deep understanding of the Manusina environment, combined with her commitment to advancing women’s rugby, will be critical as we prepare for our upcoming campaigns.

This also marks a significant moment for Lakapi Samoa, as we appoint one of Samoa’s daughters to lead our Manusina programme. It is a proud step forward for the game, and we are confident her leadership will drive the team to greater heights.”

Comments from Manusina Head Coach Fuimaono Bella Milo:

“It is a privilege to give back to Manusina in this capacity. This team has played a significant role in my life, and I am committed to helping grow the game and creating opportunities for our players to succeed on and off the field.”

Lakapi Samoa looks forward to the leadership and direction Fuimaono will bring as the Manusina programme continues its journey on the international stage.

– MEDIA RELEASE ENDS –

ATA: Supplied.