LTC Academy Program Ready to Start
Story: Samoa Rugby Union Media Release
The Samoa Rugby Union License Training Centre Academy Program is all set to go with the start of their camp at Tuanaimato this week.
36 players were selected following a series of trials late last year and has been on a probation program for 12 weeks which included trainings and testing’s. 28 have been accepted this year into the SRU – HPU LTC Scholarship Program.
According to LTC Head Coach Soifua John Schuster there is a slight increase to the number of scholarships into the SRU – HPU LTC Scholarship Program.
The Program has always been the perfect start of rugby careers for some of the local players. The likes of Robert ‘Lilomaiava who makes his first debut in the National Samoa 7’s last year, Lolo Lui who captained the victorious Samoa 7’s into the 2009 IRB World Cup 7’ series, Uale Ma’i and Mikaele Pesamino who were named as IRB Best Players, and others who are training in the Samoa A wider squad for PRC.
Established in 2006 the License Training Centre is the base for scholarship holders. The program seeks to balance between the needs of the present and of the future, and between the roles of preparation and of competition. In addition to the core task of developing players for the various national teams, the program will, as a by product, also develop the next generation of coaches and referees, all of which are required to sustain a high level of competition in Samoa.
Soifua points out that “to date the LTC has been doing very well, in terms of structure and set up. We just need to enhance the contents of the program by working hard to improve on the technical, tactical, and physical and skill development components of the LTC scholars.”
The Samoa Rugby Union LTC Students 2012 intakes are:
Props: Aniseto Sio Alafua, Petelo Fatamasei Manono, Valter Alaifea Fagalii, Raymond Salu Foaluga,
Hookers: Damien Tovio Tuaefu, Ropeti Lafo Vaiusu
Locks: Risati Faamatuainu Faleula,Talaga Lofipo Saleaula, Tofatu Solia Falealili
Loosies : Fagasolo Toeaoalii Lepa, Oneone Faafou Siumu, Selau Faapusa Saleaula, Elia Togitele Leulumoega
Number 8 : Airi Hunt Aleisa, Alekana Mulipola Aleipata
Halfback: Vavao Afemai Vaiala/Laulii, Faatafa Maiava Vaiala, Fifika Su Faala Palauli
1st5/8 : Sani Ae Aleipata, Potoae Sasani Afega.
Midfield : Robert Lilomaiava Laulii /Fagalii, Teseli Leafa Malie, Lomitusi Ulu Fagalii
Wing: Jason Tagiilima Saoluafata, Tafesilafai Lalomilo Vailele, Pesamino Ivo Tuloto
Fullback : Utu Poliko Leulumoega, Fale Iosefa Faleasiu.
Ends
For more Information:
Rula Su’a – Vaai
Media Officer
Samoa Rugby Union
Ph: +685 7700906/ +685 24986