Manu Samoa Sevens begun their preparations for the next round of the HSBC World Seven Series in Hong Kong by going into camp at a resort on the south coast of Upolu.

Part of their preparations included a boot camp at the Return to Paradise Resort last week which was organised by the Team Manager, Tuala Pat Leota.

As the team went into camp, the Head Coach, Muliagatele Brian Lima and the management team worked behind the scenes preparing for the competition. 

Tuala praised the resort and its staff for assisting the team as part of their preparation for the next leg of the rugby series.

“Return to Paradise always does a great job of looking after our team, it is an excellent place to prepare,” Tuala said.

"We have had previous camps at the Resort, so yes we wanted to come back – and the service was excellent.” 

General Manager Ramona Su’a Pale Gilchrist said in a statement issued by the resort that she and her family were only too happy to help. 

“We know that Lakapi Samoa is struggling for funds in the aftermath of Covid-19 and so we wanted to support our boys," Ramona said.

“But with the borders only just reopening we are struggling too so we simply could not afford to do this on our own.

"We reached out to others in the business community and the camp became possible."

Tuala said he overwhelmed by the positive spirit shown towards the team as a group of friends and supporters of the resort got behind the Sevens team and funded the camp.  

“Generous support were offered by SMI, Fexco Samoa, Transam Samoa, Ford Hyundai, CCK, Pacific Aluminium, and Return to Paradise Resort," he added. 

“With the help of these great companies, we were able to hold the camp at no cost to Lakapi Samoa. On behalf of Lakapi Samoa, we are just so grateful to them and of course to Return to Paradise Resort.” 

Return to Paradise often hosts high profile sports teams and has been the resort of choice for Toa Samoa for many years. The resort offers a team room, ice baths, spa pools, massage services, training video services and healthy menus specially designed for high performance athletes.

Head Coach Muliagatele had previously presented the resort with a signed jersey that signified the link between the team and Return to Paradise Resort. 

“The staff and I were honoured to receive a signed jersey from the team. We wish them all the best as they represent our nation, and their extended families,” added Ramona.

"We display the signed jersey in our reception area, and when the boys return with their families and friends, they will be able to show their signed names on this jersey with pride."