A $120,000 fautasi was launched into the sea by the Apia Maroons as they celebrated 100 years of rugby on Tuesday.

The event was quite special as it took time and hard work from all in Apia to come to this stage with other events being held leading up to the launch.

Deputy Head of State and Apia committee member Tuiletufuga Mamea Ropati expressed how proud and grateful he was for the achievements of the people of Apia.

"The fautasi is new but fautasi racing is not new to our village. Our first-ever fautasi, the Vineula was made by one of our own, Sala Bernard Thomsen. The other ones that came after, the Kionasina, Tamarina, and Little Rina were made by Laauli Allan Grey. He served in our rugby team and was the captain of our Kionasina," he said.

"The making of the fautasi started on 20 May, and the work concluded on Saturday 7 September 2024. The money that went into the building of the fautasi was $120,688.10.

"This money was paid by the family who owns Sheraton Aggie Greys Hotel and Bungalows."

Tuiletufuga said he hoped former Apia members who had passed on could have been present to see the achievement on Tuesday.

"All the previous captains of our fautasi's are no longer with us but we still remember our heroes in this celebration. They did not only contribute through the fautasi racing but also rugby and the development of our youths," he said. 

He hopes that with the new fautasi being built, the youths of Apia would be encouraged to train hard, play sports and stay away from drugs and youth violence.