It was not the start Lakapi Samoa were looking for as part of their centennial celebrations, however, the absence of a few teams and current sevens players did not hinder the parade on Monday morning.

Head of State Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II, members of parliament, the Lakapi Samoa board, and former players attended the event.

Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio congratulated Lakapi Samoa on reaching such a milestone.

"This occasion also calls us to reflect upon and honour those who came before us. The early pioneers whose immense sacrifices and contributions have shaped rugby in the past 100 years," he said.

Established as the Western Samoa Rugby Football Union in 1924 and joined the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) as the Western Samoa Rugby Football Union in 1988. With the change of the country's name from Western Samoa to Samoa in 1997, the union changed its name to the Samoa Rugby Union. Then, the Union changed its name to Lakapi Samoa in November 2020 with the Teuila logo. 

The president for Lakapi Samoa Namulau'ulu Papalii Sami Leota thanked the Government, partners and all the attendees.

"I just want to add to what has been said by our Deputy Prime Minister to say thank you to everyone who has gathered here today. Thank you to all the warriors who served in our 7s and 15s team, thank you so much," he said.

"I acknowledge and I won't hide it that there are many challenges faced by our rugby union. And for that, we beg your pardon Samoa. If you see that our service has not been done well, we seek your kind understanding. 

"The truth is, we are doing all that we can for our rugby. We accept all the criticisms and advice as it helps move forward for our country."

One of the former players, Aumua To'o Vaega who started his rugby career in 1985 for the Manu Samoa said his journey was quite challenging as he had to surpass his older brother's shadow.

"My first time for the Manu Samoa was 1985. It was supposed to be Tonga but they cancelled that tour, not sure why. Then 1986, my first cap for Manu Samoa against Wales when they came over in 1986," he said.

"It was a good challenge for me when my older brother used to be a Manu Samoa before me. He first made it to be a Manu Samoa before me. Everybody was talking about him and then I thought "No one talks about me". That's when I started thinking, I better train hard and be like him, and that's how I started."

"My first sevens tournament for our club wasn't really good, we didn't do well. Then the following year I learnt from it, trained hard and then made it for Samoa 7s to Hong Kong in '86. Since then I made it to the 15s."

The turn-up at the parade was quite disappointing, with some of the provincial unions and clubs not showing up. The Manu Samoa 7s players who were at the Paris Olympics did not appear during the parade.