The Moana Pasifika team will touch down at the Faleolo International Airport on Sunday 9 April at 8.35pm ahead of their match against the Queensland Reds on Friday 14 April. 

The Moana Pasifika players will be welcomed at the airport by the Samoa Tourism Cultural Group and Miss Samoa.

Fans are invited to head along to the airport where they will be able to meet the squad, take selfies with their favourite players, pick up a poster for autographs and flags.

“We can’t wait to bring the team over to Samoa. I’m sure there’s plenty of excitement building in Samoa for the game next week on Friday. The team is very excited to play in Samoa, especially our local players who will be able to introduce the team to our aiga in Samoa,” said Head Coach Aaron Mauger.

“This is groundbreaking for us to play in Apia and it will be a historical match. The support and the alofa that we’ll receive in Samoa will really uplift our boys and allow us to put out our best performance out on the park against the Reds.”

A welcome parade will take place on Wednesday 12 April. The parade will start at 8.30am outside the Police Station Head Quarters on Main Beach Road, and will follow the Police Marching Band to FMFMII Government building for the flag raising ceremony and national anthem at 9.00am. The public will then be able to meet the Moana Pasifika players.

The people of Samoa can also meet the Moana Pasifika players at various community events at schools including at Savaii Island, rugby clubs, the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital and Leulumoega District Hospital, and villages during the week.

Visits scheduled are as follows: 

Tuesday 11 April
1.00pm Hospital visits
 

Wednesday 12 April
10.00am St. Joseph’s College – Alafua
4.45pm Faleata National Provincial Club at Marist St. Joseph’s Grounds Lotopa – Rugby clinic

Thursday 13 April – visiting Savaii Island
10.15am Vaiola College
1.10pm Tuasivi College

Friday 14 April
9.15am Leififi College

Match information:

Moana Pasifika v Queensland Reds
Date: Friday, 14 April, 2023
Gates open: 3.30pm
Kick-off: 5.05pm local time
Location: Apia Park, Apia, Samoa

Tickets are selling quickly. Fans can purchase tickets to the game exclusively only through Digicel retail stores across Samoa. Tickets start at $10 tala.