A sea of maroon is how to best describe the early morning parade on Thursday to mark the centennial celebration of Apia Maroons Rugby Club.

Decked in their favourite version of maroon, friends, family members, former and current players and the village of Apia started their march from Sheraton Aggie Grey's to the Government building.

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell handed $12,000 on behalf of the Government.

"Today marks 100 years since Apia Rugby Union was established. The program for today is very important as it is part of the 100-year celebration," he said in his keynote address. 

"There were so many achievements made by this club. In 1924, only four clubs were registered they were Apia Maroons, Vaiala Ulalei, Marist and Doctors. Your club has also produced great players who served in our Manu Samoa and some of them are cabinet ministers who are here."

"Happy 100 years of your rugby club, may it continue to grow and produce more Manu Samoa players. Our Government has prepared a gift of $12,000 for your 100-year celebration. 

"And I am pleased to announce that the Sheraton Aggie Greys Hotel and Bungalows King of Rugby 2024, open."

In response to the Government, Apia high chief Tuiletufuga Mamea Ropati extended his gratitude to the Government and all the people gathered for the event.

"Our club started this tournament in 1995, where clubs from Upolu, Savaii, American Samoa, New Zealand, and Australia could participate," he said. 

"In our village history, we've been playing rugby for a long time. When the Marist Brothers introduced rugby and boxing to Samoa, the youths of Apia started playing rugby. We acknowledge the Marist Brothers for this.

"We acknowledge everyone here in Samoa and our people from overseas for being here today. With our tournament today, play fair and play smart. We thank everyone for making this event possible and for being with us today."

A moment of silence was also observed for everyone who contributed to the rugby development of Apia Maroons but had passed on.