Respect, discipline, solidarity, integrity, and passion were the subjects discussed in the first-ever safeguarding session at Lakapi Samoa with the focus set on telling participants that there was no place for violence and abuse in rugby.

World Rugby representative Tihrani Uluinakauvadra highlighted the importance of instilling the five core values of rugby in coaches, players, management, and everyone involved in rugby. The workshop was held at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation conference room at Tuanaimato on Monday. 

It also kicked off Lakapi Samoa Super Week which will run for the next two weeks. 

"We started with what is already been made known which are the core values of rugby, we have respect, discipline, solidarity, integrity, and passion. So when you talk about discipline, it's about obeying the rules, attitude on and off the field, responsible behaviour, and self-control," said Uluinakauvadra.

"These are words that we hear every day that define discipline. But what's important is how individuals demonstrate, and how they live it every day. If we don't unpack it, we'll just be satisfied with whatever and it won't make an impact.

"We are bringing in this policy to unpack the values so that these are not just words. It is about living and demonstrating the values of it. I can still see in primary schools they enforce that but when it comes to high school, it's a different story. They are too competitive that they forget, all the values that were being taught get thrown out the window."

Uluinakauvadra stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent violence and abuse in sports.

"Rugby has no place for any forms of violence or abuse. That's what we are here for. We want to advocate the need to have values. They need to understand how to control their emotions and their actions," he said.

"Every decision is critical, especially for those who are leading. The leader's decision will either pull you down or help you grow."

Participant Auimatagi Sapani Pomare said the session was useful. He has completed his Level 1 coaching course, so he is now taking his Level 2 coaching.

"This is my first time to be part of the level 2 coaching sevens training. It is the first time to be done here in Samoa. I have done my level 1 a few years back, but this is a good refresher," he said.

"This is great for us (coaches) to refresh our memories on these core values of rugby and how important it is to implement them in our teams. Looking at the five core values of rugby, some values need more work in implementation not only for players, but also for coaches, management, administrators, and everyone involved."

About 70 participated in the sessions on Monday.