Apia, Samoa – 24 June 2025 – The Samoa Deaf Association farewelled the Wiser Pasifika Samoa Men’s Deaf Rugby 7s Team last night. The team will represent Samoa at the Pacific Rim Deaf Rugby 7s Tournament in Gold Coast Australia.
The farewell event, held at SASNOC Tuanaimato, was witnessed by representatives from the Government, partner organisations, families, friends, and supporters who gathered to celebrate the team and offer their prayers and encouragement.
This is only the second time that a national Deaf 7s team will participate at an international tournament, following their silver medal performance at the 2019 Oceania Deaf 7s in Fiji.
The 2025 campaign will see Samoa take on Japan, Fiji, and the host nation Australia across two match days on 28 and 29 June at Surfers Paradise Rugby Union Club, with all matches to be livestreamed.
President of the Samoa Deaf Association, Eli Sio, shared that the journey has been transformative not only for the players, but for the Deaf community as a whole.
“This campaign began just four months ago. It has been challenging from the start, but it has brought our community together with a renewed sense of purpose and unity, created a platform for our athletes to show that Deaf can. Our team has trained hard — physically, mentally, and spiritually — and they carry with them the pride of a sport loving nation.”
The campaign follows on from recent milestones within the Deaf community, including the historic university graduations of Mathew Pitovao and Maselina Fiso, and the trailblazing participation of Miracle Afele in the 2023 Miss Samoa pageant.
The association acknowledged the strong support of the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, businesses, churches, organisations and families, as well as the vital contribution of SASLI (Samoa Association of Sign Language Interpreters), whose work ensures full participation and communication throughout the journey.
Special recognition was also given to Marist St Joseph’s Sports Club, who supported the first Deaf 7s campaign in 2019 and responded again this year — with assistance from Principal Br Siaosi Ioane of Marist Brothers Primary School, providing field and facilities for team preparations.
The team of 15 players and six officials depart this week.
Official Team List – Wiser Pasifika Samoa Mens Deaf 7s Team by players name and villages.
- Vitaliano Lui – Lotopa, Taga, Siusega
- Daniel Mataia* – Moamoa, Falealili
- Mikaele Kalolo Lemalie* – Leauvaa
- Eli Enesi Sio – Neiafu, Aleisa, Moamoa
- Ionatana Leutele – Talimatau, Taga, Sataua
- Olivaseigafo Mavaega – Afega
- Leone Nagayama Peteru* – Leusoalii, Vailele, Siumu
- Poka Kalolo Tuifelasai* – Faleasiu
- Orikene Vaipae* – Lepuiai Manono Uta
- Kelemete Tema Kalapu Taliai – Afega
- Posesione Posesione Leilua* – Malie, Faletagaloa
- Vailoa Fili Petelo* – Toamua, Faleula, Falealili, Nofoalii
- Pilitia Tuivale* – Lano, Salailua, Safune & Saleimoa
- Faofua Faalafi – Malie, Vaigaga, Vaiala
- Pouleta Faulafo – Mulifanua, Tufulele
*Denotes debut
Officials
16. Tausa Faamoe Faamaoni Lalomilo – Head Coach
17. Taupau Alex Vaauliafa Mikaele – Team Manager
18. Soane Taugatigaina Ah Ken – Assistant Team Manager
19. Faimalomatumua Meleisea Mathew Lemisio – Technical Advisor
20. Marie Enosa Vaoala – Sign Language Interpreter
21. Rusell Watts – Sign Language Interpreter
