The Manu Samoa squad will wear the PacificAusSport partnership label on their jersey following the official launching of a partnership with Lakapi Samoa on Thursday afternoon.

Lakapi Samoa C.E.O. Falemavaega Vincent Fepuleai acknowledged the presence of Australia's Minister for International Development and Pacific, Pat Conroy who represented the Australian Government and officiated in the event as part of deepening relations between Samoa and Australia.

Mr. Conroy shared his favorite memory of the Rugby World Cup in 1991 when the upstart Manu Samoa team was led by the late Peter Fatialofa.

“Nothing else beats the close bonds between our two countries with the fact that the captains of our two national teams are brothers with Michael Alaalatoa captaining Manu Samoa and his younger brother Allan Alaalatoa captaining the Wallabies in 2022," Mr. Conroy said. "Nothing can be more symbolic of the close rugby relationships.”

Samoan rugby received support from the PacificAusSports program and Australia’s support for Manu Samoa will continue during the Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign. The partnership provides AUD$220,000 as part of its financial support for Manu Samoa in the lead-up to the RWC.

Lakapi Samoa Chairman and former prime minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi thanked Mr. Conroy and Australia on behalf of Rugby Samoa for their new partnership.

“This will assist in the growth of the sport in Samoa through various initiatives in allowing Lakapi Samoa to host domestic tournaments for both men and women in rugby 7s and 15s a pathway to build up the local talent and raise the standard and profile of our game," Tuilaepa said.

"This allows Lakapi Samoa to invest and up-skill local administrators and managers who are responsible for growing the game in Samoa at every level."

According to Tuilaepa, the funding will be applied directly to Samoa’s High-Performance Academy to grow and nurture talents to become elite professional rugby players.