Laulu the Guest of Honour

By Ivamere Nataro 16 February 2019, 12:00AM

Fitness is the key if the local players are to do well in any tournament, especially in the international arena. 

So says former Manu Samoa 7s and 15s player, Laulu Alapasa Cordtz, who was the Guest of Honour for the two-day Vailima Marist 7s that concluded at the Marist St Joseph’s grounds in Lotopa yesterday. 

“Skills are what the boys have, but fitness is not there. With fitness you can do whatever you want, and you will display the skills,” said the 45-year-old from Lotopa. 

His journey to representing Manu Samoa in international tournaments began when he was 26 years old playing for the Marist Club. 

“I played for Marist when the coach selected me to play for the national team,” Laulu said. 

“I played rugby for nearly ten years in international sevens and then two years in the Manu Samoa 15s. I finished in 2008.” 

But he still loves and watches rugby despite working for the Samoa Water Authorities now. 

Laulu commended the tournament organisers for allowing young players to display their skills. 

“The tournament helps the young players to develop their skills and represent Samoa in the international arena.” 

“Teams far from town they did very well, especially the Tamauli from Savai’i they did very well.”  

The father of two is advising all aspiring rugby players to train hard and play hard, avoid alcohol and cigarettes. 

“My son loves rugby, but he’s still young. He likes to mingle with the boys in Marist. I am from Lotopa.” 

Tournament Director, Fata Brian Kaio, said this year’s tournament is different from other tournaments in the past because of the number of international teams that are participating. 

The Vailima Tabadamu team from Fiji was crowned winners yesterday.

(More coverage in Sports) 

By Ivamere Nataro 16 February 2019, 12:00AM
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