Palalaua College at Siumu welcomed the visiting Mosman U15 team yesterday during an ava ceremony.

The welcome coordinated by Palalaua College students gave teachers, officials and players a taste of Samoan culture – and of course the ava. 

Tour Manager, Chris Barton, said they were overwhelmed by the welcome.

 “Thank you very much for making us feel so welcome. We are looking forward to our stay for the next 10 days,” he said.

“We have been doing this tour for about six years now and we love the welcoming that we get.”

Mr. Barton said the Samoa tour is the one many Mosman players look forward to. 

“Most of them have never travelled anywhere outside of Australia and so this tour is where they get to come and experience a different culture,” he said.

“It’s not about the rugby but they get to come and enjoy the competition that they get on the field but also the cultural aspect.

“All of these boys come from Sydney and most of them go to private schools and it’s a really great opportunity for them to experience a new culture and get off living in a big city and going somewhere that’s a little bit quieter and meet people who are so friendly.

“This is a great experience and from talking to kids who have been here in the past they all go away with a lot in terms of making new friends, and getting new understanding and having a great time in a different country.”

Mosman will play three games in Samoa against Aleipata College, Palalaua College and Leulumoega College.

The team is staying at Faofao Beach Fales.