The Talk of the Town this week is that Marist St Joseph’s Rugby Club is back. They will be playing at the Apia Park Stadium again.

And not only Marist St Joseph’s Club, but the likes of Vaimoso Rugby Club (Tama o le Mau), Moamoa Rugby Club (Rooster), not to mention the list of other clubs are interested to join. 

The most fascinating thing about this play not only Marist is back, and they are urging the Taula Apia Rugby Union committee to put SCOPA, their old school rival on the plate this week.

Remember the brutal, bloodied encounters and upbeat matches that used to occur between SCOPA and Marist Rugby Club, Vaiala blackie against Moataa in a tight tough shield match, the Apia Maroon and Vaimoso, Ia o le Vai Rugby Club under Seiuli Paul Wallwork’s guidance. 

Not forgetting the great contribution and the massive support from villages of Magiagi (Lupe o le So’aga), Fagalii, Vailele, Letogo etc... . 

These matches battled out of old rivalries between schools, villages, were the main reasons why families, friends and huge amount of supporters came out to the Apia Park fully prepared, with drinks and snacks to last them from when the first game started, until the final whistle blown signaling the end of the last game, and the sun is just beginning to set giving the players the satisfaction of playing to a full house crowd. 

Now nearly after about twenty years these determined and iron willed teams are back, believe you me they will bring a wealth of experience to the competition and to the game as well. 

Let us hope that this will help promote and revitalize rugby, toughened up as was it before, adaptations to the modern style of rugby with its fast pace, new ideas and concepts must be learned quickly, so that more open and new opportunities available for our local players and to indicate the signal that our rugby is heading to the right direction. 

As the saying goes you cannot move forward without taking a step back. Looking around at the empty seats of the stadium past years and the lack of support the players are getting you cannot help but anticipate what this new event will bring for the promoting and the betterment of rugby in the region but the country as a whole. 

When the Taula people were being told that Marist together with Vaimoso and Moamoa rugby clubs, are rubbing shoulders with teams at Taula Apia Rugby Union at Apia Park Stadium this week was a big surprised! 

Mike Mahendra was delighted and thankful what Samoa Beverage Company (Taula) has done and contribute one way or another for rugby in Samoa. 

“It was very encouraging to hear that, (laughing) and it looks like Taula is on the right pathway, mauling, pushing and driving rugby in Samoa towards it’s goal line,” said the Mahendra, Marketing Manager. 

Well Marist will be playing SCOPA, Curtain raiser at 2.30pm, Stadium, Vaimoso against Apia Maroon while Moamoa battle it out with Lupe-o-le-So’aga. (See draw) Taula Apia Rugby Union gives sincere gratitude to Taula Beverages Company for their never ending and undying support that make this cause possible. See for yourself!