It is an invasion but not quite the military kind but more of the rugby kind as the U.S. Naval Academy Rugby Diplomacy Pacific Islands Tour takes place this weekend.

The U.S. Embassy in Apia in collaboration with Lakapi Samoa will host the event.

The initiative is aimed to use rugby as a tool for promoting diplomacy and fostering stronger relationships between the United States and Pacific Island nations.

The U.S. Naval Academy Rugby Diplomacy Pacific Islands Tour will see the U.S. Naval Academy Rugby team compete against Lakapi Samoa Academy. The tour kicked off in Tonga on May 13, travelled to Fiji, and will conclude in Samoa on 25 May to 27 May.

The tour is not only about showcasing athletic talent, but also about building connections, understanding each other's cultures, and promoting mutual respect through the power of sport.

President Biden announced this rugby diplomacy initiative during the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Summit at the White House on September 25, 2023.

“At the U.S.-PIF Summit, President Biden renewed the United States' commitment to enhancing our partnership with the Pacific Islands and the respective governments to achieve our shared vision for a resilient Pacific Islands region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity, where individuals can reach their potential, the environment can thrive, and democracy can flourish,” said the US Embassy in a statement.

“We are excited to work with Lakapi Samoa and the U.S. Naval Academy Rugby team to promote sports diplomacy and strengthen ties between our nations,” said the U.S. Embassy Acting Chargé d’Affaires Donald Alderman.

“Sports has the ability to bring people together, break down barriers, and create lasting friendships. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the values of teamwork, respect, and camaraderie between the U.S. and Samoa.”

As part of the tour, the U.S. Naval Academy Rugby team will also participate in community outreach programs and cultural exchanges with Samoan athletes. The tour is expected to leave a lasting impact on both the players and the communities they visit.

“Lakapi Samoa is honoured to host the U.S. Naval Academy Rugby team and looks forward to a weekend of friendly competition and cultural exchange. Rugby is more than just a sport, it is a shared passion that unites people from different backgrounds and nationalities,” said CEO of Lakapi Samoa, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai.

“The games that will take place between the Manusina 7s and the Men’s Academy are beneficial for our teams as we prepare for upcoming international tournaments”.

The U.S. Embassy in Apia said they were committed to using sports diplomacy as a tool for building relationships and fostering understanding between nations.

The U.S. Naval Academy Rugby Diplomacy Pacific Islands Tour is just one example of how sports can bring people together and promote peace and cooperation.