The inaugural Taula Fedpac Vaiala Ulalei International sevens kicked off on Friday at the Vaiala Ulalei Stadium in Vaiala. 

There are 24 open men's teams with four Under-14 teams from Vaiala and Moataa. The sevens tournament sums up the Vaiala Ulalei rugby club's centennial celebration. Tournament Director, Fuimaono Laifa Peterson said it is a two-day tournament.

"We have the pool games for today, then we have the plates, bowl, spoon, and finals for tomorrow. We have teams from Upolu, Savaii, one team from American Samoa, and one from New Zealand," he said.

"For our U14, we have two teams from here in Vaiala and two from Moataa. This is the last event for our 100-year celebration. We've had our opening service, corporate dinner, former and current members meet-up, and this is the final event with our final service this Sunday."

He explained that they included the U14 who are grassroots level as they don't have many opportunities to share and learn about rugby. 

"We have started this development program as well as Moataa who are competing in the U14. Hoping that in the coming years, we will have more U14 teams for a tournament. 

"We also opened the opportunities to all the women's teams in Samoa unfortunately on Wednesday which was the deadline, there were no women's teams registered."

Fuimaono said the teams competing in the sevens tournament are the same ones that participated in the Sapapalii sevens.

They are looking at creating more international tournaments so local players can get the exposure they need.

"It is also an opportunity for our Manu Samoa sevens management in terms of selecting players for our national teams. Looking at the tournament today, everything is going well. The standard of rugby has been lifted by looking at all our team's preparations. 

"The special part of this tournament is the celebration of our 100 years because we don't know if we will be there for the next 100 years celebration."

He acknowledged everyone who lent a helping hand in making their tournament a reality. He extended his gratitude to their major sponsor Federal Pacific Group, Namulauulu Sami Leota, Taula, and all the other companies who have helped.

He acknowledged the contribution of the former players who are based overseas for lending a helping hand in their celebration and for their unwavering support throughout.