The Marist Sports Club has unveiled a new set of jerseys and equipment for their rugby team while also announcing their new executive committee for this year.

The launch was held at the Marist Sports Club headquarters at Lotopa on Thursday evening and was attended by the team and the new executive committee.

A total of 23 new jerseys is now available for the team and includes rugby shorts, socks and various rugby equipment.

The new executive is President Pouniu Peter Schmidt, Vice President Galumalemana Rudolf Moors, Secretary Tevaga Paul Chan Tung, Treasurer Aleki Afoa and Tournament Director Tapau Alex Mikaele.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer on Thursday, the recently appointed President, Pouniu Peter Schmidt thanked the lord for giving them the opportunity to lead the club this year.

"The jerseys that were launched today are the start of preparations for the 7s this year – the Marist 7s usually starts tournaments every year," he said.

Pouniu while being thankful also said that during the pandemic era the club has been unable to conduct fundraising.

"We would like to thank our brothers that have played for the Marist Sports Club who are currently staying in New Zealand and Australia, and also those who are staying [overseas] in England," he said.

"They had raised the funds because we gave a request."

The jerseys that were unveiled on Thursday were put together by the Marist St. Joseph's Sports Club former players. 

One of the jerseys was launched on Thursday but the others arrived in the country in October and were used during the Faleata Knights tournament.

Asked how much was spent on the jerseys, Pouniu said they are top quality and so total price is around NZ$8000 with shipping costs also covered by the former players of the sports club.

Elated at being elected the President, he said he is of the view that he is the youngest ever President of the Marist Sports Club.

And while he is not young in terms of playing for the club as he had played for Marist since he had studied in St. Joseph's College, and later on his career opted to take on the referee role.

Looking towards the future of the sports club, Pouniu said he maintain and sustain the performance of the club.

"It's been 10 years since Marist has won so that's one thing we will be looking at what ways we could return Marist to what it was. It's true there are many years that we were victorious but that was ten years ago," he said.

He added that the focus will be on the players to ensure they stay with the club as he is keen to address player movements.

Pouniu explained that after one studies at St. Joseph's College then you play for Marist, which is also part of the sports club's foundation.

They have also extended their services to other sports such as netball, boxing, touch, and league which also aligns with creating equal opportunities for all, contributing to the community, and raising awareness on violence against women.

Pouniu explained that since it is a social club, the door is open to anyone. He said that they are also looking to improve their facilities and had appealed to the community and businesses for assistance towards the development of the club.