Manu Samoa receives $50,000 bonus from Samoa Rugby Union and Digicel

     By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Many of the new players involved in the recent end-of-the-year tour of the Northern Hemisphere have been approached by rich European clubs.

This was revealed by team manager Leota Sami Lemalu during last Friday’s $50,000 bonus presentation at the Samoa Traditional Hotel, Ululoloa.

“Our hotel lobby was always full of club agents and representatives who wanted to speak to the new boys trying to entice them to sign contracts,�? said Leota.

“No doubt many of the new players we took with us will be signed up by those cashed-up European clubs in the coming weeks. Some in our management team were also approached by the clubs for possible management stints in Europe.�?

President of the Samoa Rugby Union, Pule Lameko, thanked the team for the successful tour and the excellent way they conducted themselves in Europe.

“Bless you young men.. Bless you for you are now a part of Samoa’s proud rugby history many will talk about in years to come. You have taken your very small country to the very top of international. To take its rightful place amongst the giants of international country. Your small country of a few people and even fewer resources.

“Your country is very proud seeing you perform at your best on television.�?

The $50,000 bonus, Pule Lameko explained, is comprised of a $30,000 bonus for beating first-tier Wales and $10,000 for improving from 10^th ranking to 9th. Following the narrow French defeat, Samoa improved further to  8^th thus another $10,000 bonus. The payments were funded by the team’s main sponsor Digicel.

Leota said the team was very close during the month-long tour.

“The bonding was very tight. When we eventually had to break camp, most of the players didn’t want to go home. They have been calling and emailing management this week asking when the squad meets up again and resume training. The spirit in the team was very high.

“After the Canada game, we suffered a couple of injuries with Alafoti (Fa’osiliva) ruled out with a leg injury. Two days later he had his boots on and hobbled over to training pleading that he is fit to play again. But we sought a second opinion from doctors who said the injury was too serious. Same with Paul (Williams), despite what the doctor said, he pleaded for a second medical opinion as he said he was okay. We did seek a second doctor who said the injury to his eye was very serious.�?

But there was one sour note.

“We are still miffed with the three-week suspension of James So’oialo after that first game. There was nothing in it. James was our first-string fullback and the best goal kicker. We had to make a lot of adjustments when he was suspended.�?

However, the manager pointed out that the team was well-supported in Europe their hosts were excellent.

“Our hosts looked after us very well. The Samoan community in Europe came out to visit us every day. Our Ambassador in Brussels Pa’o Luteru hosted us to dinner and so did our general counsel in Italy, Mr Giovanni Cafarelli.

 

 

 

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