Lemalu Nele Leilua was the happiest person in the stands when her son Pisi Leilua made his debut for Manu Samoa, a moment she had been waiting for.

It was a surreal moment as it happened at Apia Park. The Leilua family was there in numbers.

"I am beyond proud of Pisi. Seeing him on the field representing Manu Samoa fills my heart with immense joy. His dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and his performance tonight was a testament to his passion for rugby," she said.

"When I first heard the news, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Knowing how much this means to him and our family. It was a moment of pure pride and happiness. 

"I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported Pisi on this journey. To see him achieve his dreams is a blessing, and I know he will continue to make us proud." 

"Pisi played incredibly well tonight. I’m proud of the man and athlete he has become," said his brother Faiumu Augustine Leilua.  

"Playing for Manu Samoa is a huge honour, and I know Pisi will give it his all. It’s about representing our family and our country, and I couldn’t be prouder of him," added his brother Lupematasila Sio Leilua.

Pisi Leilua used to play for the Marist Touch team before joining the Manu Samoa Sevens. Former head coach for Marist Touch Team, Toilolo Tyron Lam was proud to see one of his players making big moves on the international stage.

“We felt a deep sense of pride when we heard one of our own, from the Marist Touch family is debuting for Manu Samoa, which is a tremendous achievement. It’s a testament to his hard work and the support of our Marist community," he said.

"I want to congratulate Pisi and his family on this remarkable achievement. Pisi has always been an inspiring member of our Marist Touch team, and seeing him excel in rugby makes us all proud."

Leilua said it was a special moment he was running into the field and having his biggest supporters in the stand, his mother and family.

"No words can describe the feeling. It's all in the moment. Living in the moment," he said,

"That moment was extraordinary not only for myself but especially for my beautiful mum and family who have sacrificed a lot for me to get here. I am truly blessed and forever grateful for the opportunity to represent my family, my country Samoa, and all those who have helped me in my journey to get here. You know who you are."

The next task for Leilua and Manu Samoa is qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The Pacific Nations Cup that starts on 21 August will be the the qualifying platform.