World Rugby trainer Koli Sewabu is in Samoa to train local educators in various aspects of rugby including coaching, officiating, and management. 

The Super Week is in its second week, and the commitment from participants was one of the highlights of the two-week programme. 

"It's not an easy two weeks because there's so much information, new information especially if you're new to rugby, and no background in rugby like a few of the teachers who came," said Sewabu. 

"But the energy they bring is great. It helps us to do our job daily. We've tried this approach where we bring them together for certain periods. I know there is a cost element to it, but then the return on that is great because they have to go through a process where they have to do all the online requirements. They have to attend a face-to-face component.

"Then they have to fulfil their accreditation requirements, like completing a diary. For instance, that normally takes weeks and months but we are putting them into two weeks. 

"We're providing them videos and analysis software, and a whole lot that shows them an integration between participation development and what's happening in high performance. Also, how they can see their pathways and then also understand other components that fit in each of those areas."

Sewabu believes that he can see the growth of each participant as they come out of their comfort zones. 

Participants are engaged in both theoretical and practical sessions. He also acknowledged the assistance from Marist Rugby Club Samoa and Apia Maroons team for the opportunity to work together. 

He emphasised that the course offers local coaches, match officials, and management an opportunity to learn about the sport and will be able to deliver it to their teams. He understands that one of the barriers in rugby is the language.

"Language is always a barrier anywhere even when we do this in Fiji, it's still a barrier. But that shouldn't be an excuse, rugby has its special language, once you understand the language and components around it, you will have more understanding of how to take the knowledge and then pass it across. 

"The teachings, methods of delivery, the learning capacity of your people, different styles of learning and so forth. Even in Samoa, there will be visual learners and audio learners. That's why we're trying to build our Samoan coaches and educators so we can take that out and they build from within."

Fasia Farani, the head coach for Vaimauga College U16-girls team said the ongoing sessions had been an eye-opening experience for her. She is a volleyball player and has no understanding of rugby so it is a great opportunity for her to be part of the coaching course. 

"Honestly speaking, I don't have the experience or any knowledge of rugby. I love volleyball but when I got assigned by our principal to look after our girls' team I took up the call even though I knew I had no experience," she said. 

"But coming into this session has created an opportunity for me to learn new methods being shared by those who have already been coaches. They can give me ideas to develop myself as a coach and also to help our team improve.

"I am committed as I have a goal. My goal is to be able to be the best coach that I can be. If God willing, this is another way for me to gain confidence, and experience and aim higher. We never know, maybe one day I will be able to play in some of the positions on our national teams, if not as a coach, assistant coach perhaps as a manager."

Tapusoa Leifi, the head coach for Leifiifi College's U-17 boys team said the importance of the coaching course was to build up his profile as a coach. 

"The most important part of the session for me is the development of myself as a coach. This is an opportunity to enhance my knowledge as rugby is developing fast. This is where we create a safe rugby environment in schools," he said. 

"Back in the days, we just taught the kids rugby and not the rules, we didn't have enough methods as a coach, not enough equipment, even coaches. But we can use what we've learned to pass it on to our other teachers who couldn't make it. The goal is that our players will be well disciplined, their skills and knowledge of the sport, and keep it safe. 

"This is also to raise our profile as coaches. We could also get a chance to apply for the coaching position in our national teams. There is a big hope to be a national coach however it all depends on my performance. The results of my performance will determine everything. There is no use teaching all these skills to the players and we end up losing and losing which means poor performance. But if I prioritise it now at the secondary level, then club levels, I must lift the bar."