The best touch skills will be on display this weekend with the 8th annual Marist Touch tournament kicking off on Football Federation Samoa grounds in Tuanaimato. 

President of the Marist St Joseph Sports Club, Lemalu John Lemisio said the club was able to host their annual tournament despite the setbacks and challenges.

"We are proud to host the Marist Touch Tournament for the eighth year running. This event not only showcases the incredible skills of our athletes but also serves as a capacity-building platform for coaches, match officials, and administrators," he said.

This year’s tournament holds special significance, as it builds upon the momentum from the historic success of Samoa’s National Touch Teams at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.

For the first time, Samoa clinched gold in all three divisions: Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed—a remarkable feat that reflects the progress and dedication of Samoa Touch, driven by the commitment of local clubs and supported by tournaments like the annual Marist Touch Tournament.

Samoa Touch Rugby Incorporated (S.T.R.I) president Matiu Tuileva Tuileva said the annual Marist touch tournament was a cornerstone for the development of Touch Rugby in Samoa.

"The annual Marist Touch Tournament has become a cornerstone for the development of our players and coaches, providing invaluable experience and competitive opportunities for Samoa’s touch community," he said.

"Their dedication to this event has been instrumental in strengthening our local talent pool and raising the standard of Touch in Samoa. 

"STRI wishes to acknowledge the continuous generosity of all the sponsors who have helped make this tournament possible, we thank you for your support. We wish all the athletes, teams and clubs a successful 2024 Marist Touch Tournament."

Marist Touch head coach, Tolumaavave Mathew Iakopo said that he was grateful for the support from families, friends, and businesses.

The reigning champions, Meitaki in the Men’s Open, No Idea in the Women’s Open, and Stay Aloof in the Mixed Open, are set to defend their titles and aim for back-to-back victories. New entries from Magic 7 and Tanoa Hotel in the Mens Division, Tafitoala in the Mixed Division, and the international Mana Brothers team in the Men’s divisions bring fresh competition, adding to the tournament’s growing regional significance.

The Marist Touch Tournament also serves as a valuable capacity-building opportunity for administrators, coaches, and officials. This year, Tua Toomata, named Referee of the Tournament at the 2023 Pacific Games, will again lead the team of local referees, sharing expertise and contributing to the development of match officiating standards.

The tournament will be held on 8 and 9 November.