The 37th Marist International 7s will be held on 5 and 6 June as part of this year’s Independence Day celebrations, and eight more teams have been added to feature a 24-team tournament.

The event, officially named the 37th Vailima Marist International 7s 2026, will take place at Apia Park.

President of the Marist Sports Club, Lemalu John Lemisio, said the tournament’s goal is to identify top talent for the Manu Samoa 7s training squad. He explained that the club is seeking the best players to join Manu Samoa in order to boost the performance of the 7s team.

While government assistance has not yet been provided, tournament director Taupau Alex Mikaele confirmed that support will come for those agencies involved in the Independence Day celebrations. 

The Apia Park Stadium, which was closed last year for repairs, has been approved by the government as a venue. While some areas may still be unavailable, parts of the stadium can be used, and work is underway with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to ensure facilities are ready. If needed, backup venues will be arranged with Lakapi Samoa and local schools.

The winning team will take home a cash prize of $20,000. Teams that lose their first pool games will still have a chance to qualify for subsequent rounds.

The women's competitions will also continue, featuring their own cup and a $5,000 prize for the winners.

Eight top teams from the 2024 Marist tournament have been invited to fill the first eight spots. Tepatasi, last year’s champion, leads the list, along with teams from Marist Sagato, Iosefo, Siumu, Vaimoso, Afega, Moataa, and Laulii. Lotofaga Safata, winner of the Challenger Cup, will take the ninth spot. Additional teams will come from overseas, including Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, and Pago Pago, with the remaining spots decided by the tournament committee.