𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇

Lakapi Samoa has officially unveiled the Penina Samoa squad, following a successful launch event held at the STA Fale, Apia.

The event marked a significant milestone for women’s rugby in Samoa, with the introduction of the Penina Samoa team ahead of their upcoming match against Penina Tonga in Nuku’alofa this Friday, 10 April 2026.

The launch was attended by key stakeholders, sponsors, and families. Acting Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Mr. Simon Dawkins, delivered the keynote address, acknowledging the importance of continued investment and support for the women’s game. Lakapi Samoa Interim Chairman, Afioga Namulauulu Papalii Sami Leota, also addressed guests, highlighting the progress and commitment towards strengthening women’s rugby pathways in Samoa.

The naming of the squad signals an important step in the team’s preparations as they look to represent Samoa with pride on the international stage.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐩𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐀𝐟𝐢𝐨𝐠𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐮𝐥𝐮 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐚:

“This is an important step in strengthening our pathway to Manusina Samoa. With increased support and investment in the women’s game, our focus is on performance and ensuring our players are ready for future international competitions.”

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐚, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬:

“The establishment of Penina Samoa provides a clear pathway for homegrown players to pursue high performance rugby while building towards future competitions, including the Oceania Women’s Championship and beyond. I commend Lakapi Samoa for its vision and continued investment in women’s rugby, creating opportunities that will inspire the next generation of Manusina players.”

Lakapi Samoa extends its appreciation to its partners and supporters for their ongoing commitment to the growth of women’s rugby in Samoa.

𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐚 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝

1. Maria Korretti Tilo – Togafuafua, Falelatai – No Idea

2. Maria Erenei Nikolao – Fagaloa, Auala – Savaii Queens

3. Maimoana Iefune – Faleasiu – Striders

4. Anasis Afi’a – Faleapuna, Aufaga – No Idea

5. Ogeata Moea’i Sione – Tafitoala, Safa’i Savaii – Apia Maroons

6. Ema Suafai – Letogo, Falefaa – No Idea

7. Teuila Suifaatau Aukusitino – Siumu – No Idea

8. Fogamanono Tusiga – Falelatai, Fasitoo – Striders

9. Marelda Punavaioleola Latavao – Vaimoso, Leufisa – No Idea

10. Rhonda Semau – Vailuutai – No Idea

11. Frieda Vaisa Seupule – Laulii, Lalomalava – Striders

12. Gloria Talalelei Olaitaua Soloi – Foailalo, Sagone – Savaii Queens

13. Araisa Isamaeli Fetaiai – Saanapu, Safata – No Idea

14. Charity Papaigalagala Misiluti – Maagiagi, Fagalii – No Idea

15. Perise Tumutumu – Saleaaumua, Aleipata – Tepatasi

16. Faaaloalo Christina Luafitu – Vailoa Palauli, Fasitoo Uta – Striders

17. Ofa Sopoaga – Lalovi Mulifanua, Manono Uta – Apia Maroons

18. Janell Fereti Faanana – Salailua, Satupaitea – Savaii Queens

19. Fofoga Vaa – Maagiagi, Salelologa – No Idea

20. Saelua Vanessa Leaula – Siusega, Faiaai – No Idea

21. Leutu Iefata Suaesi – Siumu, Saoluafata – No Idea

22. Lutia Col Aumua – Salani Falealili, Matatufu – No Idea

23. Tufi Samasoni – Faleasiu, Matatufu – No Idea

24. Foerina Roma Finau – Moataa, Lefaga Safato’a – Apia Maroons

25. Upu Talavini Kaisara – Lelepa, Puapua – Tane Pearls

26. Ane Fereti Faanana – Salailua, Satupaitea – Savaii Queens 27. Siluando Lafai – Maagiagi, Saleaula – No Idea

28. Rovina Zuzanne Pelive Gapa – Vavau, Samusu – Tepatasi

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

1. Filoi Eneliko – Head Coach – Vaimoso

2. Rachel Wilson – Manager – Vaimoso, Sapapalii

3. Afa Aiono – S&C & Assistant Coach – Leulumoega, Fasitoo Uta

4. Mailo Potu Leavasa – Assistant Coach – Vaimoso

5. Apollos Paramore – Physiotherapist – Pesega

6. Junior Narayan – Media & Analyst – Sinamoga, Poutasi Falealili

7. Leleiga Faleni Tanoa – Development Coach – Fagamalo, Malie

8. Princevaa Lalovi Lome – Development Coach – Satalo Falealili, Leauvaa

9. Talaleleiovaipouli Tuua Tamala – Development Coach – Maagiagi, Taga

10. Hani Samaeli Liufau – Referee – Auala, Letui

The squad is scheduled to depart Apia for Nuku’alofa on Thursday, 9 April at 5:00am via Fiji.

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:

Penina Samoa v Penina Tonga – “𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜”

10th April 2026 @ 4:00PM

Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa Tonga