Rugby pioneer Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams has returned to Samoa to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lakapi Samoa. 

Tuifa’asisina represented the Manu Samoa when Samoa rugby gained worldwide recognition in three Rugby World Cups: 1991, 1995, and 1999. The team reached the quarterfinals in two of those World Cups: 1991 and 1995. 

Tuifa’asisina reflected on his time with the Manu Samoa team, emphasising the significant impact it had on his life. "My time with Manu Samoa was a very significant part of my life, and I really value that time,”  said Tuifa’asisina. 

Sharing his fond recollections and the challenges of putting Samoa on the rugby map, he reminisced about the era when rugby was not yet a professional sport. 

“During the 1995 World Cup, we were in South Africa and many discussions were happening behind closed doors because rugby was still amateur at that time,” said Tuifa’asisina. 

He mentioned the intense competition between media magnates Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Packer, both vying for control of professional rugby. Unfortunately, Samoa and the Pacific Islands were overlooked in this struggle, which was a hard pill to swallow for Tuifa’asisina. 

“Samoa and the Pacific Islands got left totally out in the cold - that was pretty hard to take at the time,” said Tuifa’asisina. 

He was not only a proud Manu Samoa but a proud father to his sons, who also represented Manu Samoa in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups. 

“Every time Manu Samoa runs out, I feel a sense of great pride and joy about, I guess, my part that I played in it,”  said Tuifa’asisina. 

When asked about his thoughts on the most recent Manu Samoa game, he said “It was great to see Samoa leading at halftime, but then obviously not a great second half, so they've got some work to do,”

With a keen eye on the evolution of rugby in Samoa, Sir Bryan acknowledged the transition to professionalism in the sport, remarking, "The main change has been the game has gone professional." 

 Tuifa’asisina emphasised the importance of celebrating the 100-year milestone of Lakapi Samoa, recognising the countless contributions and enduring memories that have shaped the country's rugby heritage. 

“One hundred years is a big milestone and so many wonderful players and so many great memories for everyone to celebrate," he expressed, capturing the essence of the occasion and the significance it holds for the entire community.

Tuifa'asisina will be involved in various celebratory activities for the 100-year celebration, including a speech at the capping ceremony on Wednesday night for past Manu Samoa players and also the Manu Samoa and Tonga game on Friday.