The newly established Marist Rugby Club have started fundraising as part of its initiatives to give back to Saint Joseph's College and its grassroots programs. 

The club since its establishment has always faced challenges but they are determined to make its mark in the development of local athletes. 

Marist Under 19s, Leanava Tavita Penaia Teo said their golf tournament will be hosted in April. 

"Our golf tournament is a fundraising for the club. We were fortunate enough to have Ford Samoa offering their LDV brand car for this event. The goal of this is to assist with the running of the programs and the day-to-day activities throughout the year. We also have a sevens tournament in August," he said.

"We also plan to construct a clubhouse which will cater for our players and as an academy which we hope to open by next month. We hope that when the academy starts, there is funding to continue this initiative. 

"There is also a need for a bus or a truck for transportation because at the moment we have opened up the opportunity for our club to anyone who wishes to join, not specifically for ex-Marist students but for all the children and youth of Samoa."

Leanava highlighted the challenges including transportation issues as they have players from Aana and some from Tuiatua.  

"The Marist name has been around for a long time, but in terms of our club, we have just started last year. You can say we are still in the developing stages," he said. 

"We do not have major funding at the moment so we rely heavily on fundraising. So far, looking back at the journey, we had our sevens festival last year in August, where we included the age groups from the Under 10s to the Under 18s. 

"We've also included a women's team called the Marista. Our Maristas won the Iva Sevens last year. These small wins tell us that we are heading in the right direction.

"Most of our players that came through our academy last year, are now playing in our U19s. This year we are part of the Apia Rugby Union tournament, and our U19s have not been defeated. I guess that is one of the major achievements this year. 

"It's something that we worked so hard for in 2024, but were seeing its fruits now in 2025. Hopefully, there will be more to it."

Their golf tournament is open to all golf enthusiasts.