Lakapi Samoa is proud to announce the re-election of Namulauulu Papalii Leota Sami Leota as President for another four-year term. Namulauulu’s steadfast leadership has been instrumental in steering Lakapi Samoa toward significant progress in rugby development, governance, and community engagement. His re-election reflects the continued trust and confidence of the Lakapi Samoa stakeholders in his vision and leadership.
WELCOMING NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Lakapi Samoa is pleased to announce the following changes to the Board of Directors following the recent Annual General Meeting held on 28th November 2024. Following the AGM, Autagavaia Aso (Palauli/Itumalo/Satupaitea Sub-Union) and Sifuiva Malaea Lauano (Women’s Sub-Union Representative) were both elected as Directors for the Board.
The Vetting Committee, as endorsed at the AGM, convened to select one vacant position for Independent Legal Appointed Director. After careful deliberation, the Vetting Committee selected Papalii John Taimalelagi Afele as the Legal Appointed Director.
All new Directorship appointments will be for a term of four years.
BRIEF BIO-DATA FOR OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Namulauulu Papali’i Leota Sami Leota is currently serving his second term as President of Lakapi Samoa. A former General Secretary of the Lakapi Samoa Board, he holds degrees from Central Queensland University and the University of Wollongong. He is the General Manager of Federal Pacific Insurance in Samoa and the Asia-Pacific Region. Namulauulu has previously served as President of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and as a Board Director for both the Central Bank of Samoa and the Samoa National Provident Fund. Currently, he is also a Director of Kuki Samoa Co Ltd and the National Bank of Samoa. In addition, Namulauulu Papali’i is the Chairman of the FedPac Mataniufeagaimaleata Sapapalii International 7s.
Autagavaia Aso is the current President of the Palauli ma le Itumalo ma Satupaitea Sub-Union. He has also served as Chairman of the Savaii Warriors Franchise since 2017. A passionate and vocal rugby administrator, he has been instrumental in developing emerging talent from Savaii.
Sifuiva Malaea Lauano is the current President of the Samoa Women’s Rugby Union. An academic by profession, she serves as the Principal of Leififi College. A graduate of the National University of Samoa with a Bachelors of Arts Degree and Postgraduate in Samoan Studies and an alumna of Samoa College, Sifuiva is a committed administrator with a proven track record in both education and sports at the secondary school level.
Papalii John Taimalelagi Afele, is a lawyer by profession, recently admitted to the Samoa and New Zealand Bar. A graduate of the University of the South Pacific and the University of Auckland, he is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration and the Registrar of the Courts. With over 20 years of experience as a public servant across various ministries, he also serves as the Tournament Director of Savaii’s premier 7s competition, the Fedpac Mataniufeagaimaleata International Sapapalii 7s.
STATEMENT FROM RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT OF LAKAPI SAMOA, NAMULAUULU PAPALII LEOTA SAMI LEOTA
I am deeply humbled and honored to be re-elected as President of Lakapi Samoa for the next four years. This opportunity is both a privilege and a great responsibility, and I am committed to serving our rugby community with integrity, passion, and unwavering dedication.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our newly appointed Board members – Sifuiva Malaea Lauano, Papalii John Taimalelagi Afele, and Autagavaia Aso. Each of them brings valuable skills and perspectives that will enrich our collective efforts to grow and strengthen rugby across Samoa. I am particularly proud to welcome Sifuiva Malaea Lauano as our Women’s Representative, a milestone that reflects our commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of women in rugby.
Lakapi Samoa wishes to acknowledge the outstanding service of former and outgoing Directors: Leatigaga Peni Tofa (Savaii Representative), Soonalote Sefo (Women’s Representative), and Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio (Legally Appointed Director).
A Renewed Vision for Rugby in Samoa
The re-election of Namulauulu Papalii Leota Sami Leota and the appointment of these distinguished Board members mark an exciting new chapter for Lakapi Samoa. Together, they will drive the organization’s mission to strengthen rugby in Samoa and achieve excellence both on and off the field.
Lakapi Samoa looks forward to building on its achievements and addressing the challenges ahead with renewed vigor, guided by strong leadership and a shared passion for the game.
