At the teams’ official send-off in Apia, Samoa’s Prime Minister delivered a message to Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa that extended beyond the rugby league field, reminding players of the families, villages, churches and nation they represent when they wear the Samoan jersey.
Addressing both teams during their send-off and blessing ceremony on October 7, Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt urged the players to remain grounded in their identity and faith as they prepare to compete at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. His words have since gained traction across social media, resonating with supporters through a message centred on family, heritage and national pride.
“You are about to travel to represent Samoa. When you put on the Samoa jersey, remember that you are not wearing it alone. You carry the pride of your families, villages and your churches. Remember who you are and where you come from … Remember your parents, remember your grandparents, remember your families, remember Samoa, your people and your nation,” the Prime Minister said.
He also urged the players to draw strength from their faith when facing the physical and mental demands of international competition. When fatigue sets in and pressure builds, he reminded them to look at the jersey they wear and remember who they are playing for, reinforcing the importance of faith and the values that connect them to their homeland.
The ceremony, held outside the Government Building in Apia, brought together supporters to farewell Samoa’s men’s and women’s rugby league teams ahead of the tournament. The government also announced $4 million in support for the teams’ World Cup campaign, reflecting the importance of their participation on the international stage. For Toa Samoa, the message comes four years after the team captured global attention with its historic run to the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final. That campaign united Samoan communities around the world and left a lasting mark on the nation’s rugby league history. As both teams prepare for another World Cup, the Prime Minister’s words reinforce the significance of representing Samoa and the responsibility that comes with the opportunity.
As the players take the field, they will compete as individuals and teammates, but their jerseys carry the stories of the people who helped shape their journeys. From family sacrifices to the support of villages and churches, those connections remain part of what it means to represent Samoa. For Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa, the challenge ahead is on the field. The purpose behind the jersey, however, reaches far beyond it.
