Exciting times for Samoa and American Samoa as the first-ever regional tag tournament will be held in Auckland, New Zealand, from 27 to 29 October 2023.

The tournament, which was in the planning stages just over a year ago, is now set to go with the efforts from the two prominent organisations, Samoa Tag Incorporated and American Samoa Tag Sports Federations.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, the president of Samoa Tag Incorporated, Fa’aofonuu JP Leota, was happy to have the Samoan Government back an event as such. 

“Because we’re endorsed and recognised from our government it’s easier to do these tournaments but it's just the matter of putting structures in and communicating with countries.”

Fa’aofonuu, who is putting his words into action, is currently in New Zealand organising new affiliates and solidifying plans ahead of the regional tournament.

He said all clubs under the Samoa Tag Incorporated umbrella based in Samoa would be taken over to the Auckland tournament and that the players would be representing both the islands of Upolu and Savai’i.

“The whole purpose is the experience - it’s a good experience for all our local players, to experience playing against overseas representative teams based in New Zealand and Australia who are coming over and American Samoa,” he said.

Fa’aofonuu said the American Samoa Tag teams have associations based in New Zealand and Australia and will be bringing those players over.

“For example, you can have Auckland American Samoa and likewise with Auckland Samoa tag”, said Fa’aofonuu.

The local teams going overseas would be fundraising their way, and the incorporation will seek assistance to help get them across the ditch.

Fa’aofonuu said he is very proud and that “it’s been a long time coming”.

This tournament is one of many, and Fa’aofonuu was excited to announce another first-ever Pacific tag international tournament in February 2024, which will be held in New Zealand. 

“It’s a chance to showcase Pacific talent for the sport of tag,” said Fa’aofonuu.

The Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, addressed the promotion of the sport and was delighted to announce the tournament earlier this month in a video.

“In our quest to promote sports tourism in Samoa and American Samoa and to alignment with the Samoa Na Lua or Atoa Samoa developmental goals and strategies,” said Fiamē.

The Incorporation has been alive and well since 2017; despite the pandemic, the incorporation continues to welcome local players and introduce new players to the sport of tag, especially with the upcoming Taula Tag Series on 15 April 2023.