Samoa Observer's Manaui Faulalo had the opportunity to be part of a program by Agence France Presse (AFP) and was in Bordeaux for the Samoa and Chile match at the Rugby World Cup.

From Avao, Savai'i to Montreal, Canada, students of Itu O Tane collage are displayed on the Rugby Planet section of the La Presse daily newspaper.

The rugby students of Itu o Tane College have been recognised not only for their collaboration with Agence France Presse (AFP) and Canon but also with a French digital newspaper in Canada - the La Presse. 

La Presse means "The Press" in French and is a digital daily newspaper published in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It has been the most widely circulated French-language daily newspaper in Canada and remains the largest standard-size broadsheet paper. La Presse was established in 1884.

Here is what the newspaper stated: “In the run-up to the Rugby World Cup, which is currently taking place in France, Agence France-Presse has asked 20 young photographers from the nations taking part in the competition to take an intimate look at the practice of this sport in their country of origin. A look at our favourite shots.”

One of the favourite shots the French newspaper refers to is the shot of Samuelu Pule tackling Faletoi Semu on Lelepa Beach in Savai’i. 

When reporter Manaui Faulalo was at the scene taking photographs in July, Manaui took notes on what the students had to say.

“This will be the closest I will get to a Rugby World Cup; thank you for taking our photos,” Seeti Piipa, 15. 

“I can’t believe we will be the faces representing Samoa,” Faletoi Semu, 14.

“I hope the Manu Samoa win the Rugby World Cup, one day I want to be in the Manu Samoa team,” Iosua Puiai, 15.

In a statement from the principal himself, Sale Faletolu, who hails from the villages of Utulaelae, Sapoe, Salani, and Tafatafa Falealili, said that the boy's rugby is not the only focus as he has initiated the idea of introducing the girls to rugby for two years now.

"I have a vision of the girls to be in the Manusina, which is Samoa's National Women's team and for the boys to be in the Manu Samoa," said Faletolu. 

His vision became a reality as two of his students were selected for the U20 national team to represent Samoa overseas.

I would like to express my gratitude to the principal of Itu O Tane College, as well as the students who gave me the chance to capture their photos on not just one, but four different occasions. It was an honour for me to have chosen you to represent Samoa in the AFP and Canon Rugby World Cup 2023 exhibition. 

You can find the "Favourite" photo from the La Presse here https://www.lapresse.ca/lapresseplus/en-photos/2023-09-16/planete-rugby.php