Preview: Samoa's Second Religion Takes Centre Stage As Manu Samoa Take On England At Twickenham

17 Oct 2014

Samoa's Second Religion Takes Centre Stage As Manu Samoa Take On England At Twickenham

As England is gearing up to host the Rugby World Cup, Samoa's national team, Manu Samoa are in the midst of preparing for their UK game on 22 November 2014. England and Samoa will take to the pitch at Twickenham with Samoa playing against Samoan born Manu Tuilagi. Samoa joined the Rugby World Cup in 1991 and the team is currently ranked 9th in the world by the International Rugby Board.

Samoans are rugby-mad and treat the sport like a second religion. Friendlies and fierce competitions are a common sight on the many sport fields throughout local communities. The passion for the nation's favourite sport has raised some talented sportsmen from a young age and the national team are particularly competitive, ranking highly among some of the world's best rugby teams.

Samoa is also one of the Pacific League countries that is helping the National Rugby League to implement a programme to continue the development of the sport in Pacific Nations. The programme has been welcomed by the Rugby League International Federation as it begins to strengthen and build ties with businesses and local communities across the Pacific. National Rugby League CEO Mr Dave Smith has said that Pacific Islands including Samoa “will play a crucial part in the game's future”. Commenting on Samoa particularly and the nation's love of the game he said, “the interest in our game in Samoa is incredible, especially now that they have qualified for the Four Nations tournament at the end of the year.” Looking ahead to 2015, the world champion All Blacks will play a historic first-ever test match against Manu Samoa in Apia Park. The match will take place on 08 July 2015 as a warm-up match before the Rugby World Cup in England 2015 and it will be the first time the two nations have ever played in Samoa.

If you're visiting Samoa, you'd be hard pushed not to spot a match going on but it's worth hunting out a game and seeing the Manu Samoa team play first hand. The strength and determination of the team radiates across the pitch and into the stands creating an uplifting atmosphere from the minute they begin their Siva Tau war dance to the final whistle.

-ENDS-

For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Tel: +44 208 877 4512

E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Manu Samoa's players can be found across Europe:

Ole Avei France Bordeaux Bègles

Ti'i Paulo France Clermont

Albert Anae Italy Benetton Treviso

James Johnston England Saracens

Logovi'i Mulipola England Leicester Tigers

Anthony Perenise England Bristol

Sakaria Taulafo France Stade Français

Fa'atiga Lemalu Japan Fukuoka Sanix Blues

Daniel Leo London Irish

Filo Paulo Wales Cardiff Blues

Kane Thompson England Newcastle Falcons

Piula Fa'asalele France Castres

Maurie Fa'asavalu France Oyonnax

Jack Lam England Bristol

Joe Tekori France Toulouse

Ofisa Treviranus England London Irish

TJ Ioane New Zealand Otago

Taiasina Tuifu'a France Bordeaux Bègles

Pele Cowley New Zealand Auckland Development

Kahn Fotuali'i England Northampton Saints

Jack Taulapapa New Zealand Wellington Development

Tusi Pisi ` Japan Suntory Sungoliath

Michael Stanley New Zealand Counties Manukau

Rey Lee-Lo New Zealand Counties Manukau

Alapati Leiua England Wasps

Johnny Leota England Sale Sharks

George Pisi England Northampton Saints

Alofa Alofa France La Rochelle

David Lemi (c) England Bristol

Ken Pisi England Northampton Saints

Fa'atoina Autagavaia France Nevers