Tau'uta Reds Visit Wesley College

Written by:  Filo Taituuga

Tau’uta Reds PRC side accepted an invitation to train at Wesley College yesterday and it proved to be more than a team run.

Wesley College first XV players joined in several ball skill drills, and relished the rare experience to run and bump shoulders with the Reds.

At the completion of their team run, pupils of Wesley College assembled outside in force, sitting patiently to get a close view up of the team.

The Reds entertained the students and teachers with an impromptu Tongan melody that had everyone cheering and laughing.
The Reds concluded performing the ‘Sipi Tau’ or Tonga War dance that had everyone clapping a storm.
Members of the Wesley College first XV responded with the Toa Samoa Siva Tau in return.

“Wesley College in NZ and Tonga are like sister school to us, and we definitely have close relationships with them,’ said Wesley College Principal Logopati Mata’afa.

“Most of Tonga is Methodist, so this is a good way to fellowship with the Tau’uta Red side while they are here in Samoa.”

“Normally when a Tongan group comes to Samoa the Methodist church hosts them.”

“This in a way is part of continuing that relationship with Tonga and also a good way to expose our rugby players here.”

“As you know, we have a boys and girls rugby side here and they are all very motivated to training.”

“This is a way of trying to encourage our players towards aiming to play PRC, which is the next level for them to aspire locally.”

“It’s an international level of rugby, so to link them with Tau’uta Reds is very good way of giving them that motivation and exposure.”

“The Tau’uta side have been a real motivating factor not only for our promising boys, but our girls too.”

First XV

“We are playing Leulumoega College first XV in the main curtain raiser for the opening PRC game between Savaii Samoa and Tau’uta Reds.”

“If we win this game then we have a chance to go up against Avele College.”

“We are very happy and excited to see the ban lifted on school sports. It’s awesome for the kids and everyone is very enthusiastic.”

“There are only 11 schools participating in the competition, so not all schools are involved.”

Students and teachers of Wesley College certainly enjoyed the short visit made by Tau’uta Reds and reinforced ties of old.