American Samoa Rugby Talavalu Select Finish 2-1 in Pool Play at Historic Samoan Flag Day 7s Tournament in Las Vegas
Updated: 3 days ago
US-based members of the American Samoa Rugby 7s Men’s National Team Player Pool–named the "Talavalu Select" for this particular assembly and tournament–wrapped up their inaugural Las Vegas assembly on September 19th with a strong showing at the Samoan Flag Day Rugby 7s Tournament at Silver Bowl Park — finishing pool play 2-1 before falling to the Rosa Barbarians 35–24 in the semi-final.
The tournament was part of Nevada's very first Samoan Flag Day celebration featured cultural events, performances, cricket and rugby tournaments, and was hosted by Tautua Mo Samoa Las Vegas, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting unity and collaboration through the celebration of Samoan culture and meaningful acts of service. The Samoan Flag Day Event was a landmark occasion for the Samoan and Pacific Islander community in the state, and a fitting stage for the Talavalu Select's first competitive outing together.
Rugby 7s Tournament Teams and Assembly Overview
The tournament was originally anticipated to feature ten teams, but ultimately fielded four on the day. However, the focus for this Talavalu Select assembly was designed as a first opportunity for this player pool to train and compete together, as well as to serve as a selection vehicle for future international competition, with the tournament as an opportunity, but not the primary priority.
A semi-final exit against a team they beat in pool play is a result that stings in the moment, yet teaches over time. This squad assembled for the first time this week–meeting as a unit on the training field for the very first time. The two pool wins, the scoring output across the day, and the combinations that developed over four days of training and competition are all things this program will build on.
It is also worth noting that several members of the broader Talavalu player pool were unavailable for this assembly due to professional rugby contracts and college commitments and we look forward to expanding the opportunities for the player pool to meet and compete together in the future.
Tournament Results
Pool Play:
Talavalu 14 – Utah Gladiators 29
Talavalu 35 – Sin City 21
Talavalu 28 – Rosa Barbarians 14
Semi-Final #2:Talavalu (#2) 24 – Rosa Barbarians (#3) 35
Final: Utah Gladiators 38 - Rosa Barbarians 12
Congratulations to the Utah Gladiators on claiming the tournament title.
On the Field
After a tough opening loss to the tournament-winning Gladiators, the Talavalu Select responded with back-to-back wins, dismantling Sin City 35–21 and beating the Rosa Barbarians 28–14 in pool play to finish 2nd in the pool play, before meeting the Barbarians again in the semi-final in a hard-fought 35–24 loss.
Tries were spread across the squad throughout the day, reflecting the kind of connected team rugby that the assembly week was designed to build. Captain Nolan Tuamoheloa was influential at both ends of the field, scoring multiple tries and setting up teammates with smart, composed play throughout. Jeremy Zwick and Sione Tuihalamaka contributed multiple tries throughout the day, with hard-charging runs, heads-up play, and reading the defense to hit the gaps. James Vaifale was a consistent finisher. Veuki Taumoefolau and Filimone Manu (Ami) also contributed to the total try count. The youngest player on the team, Tumua Moors, was a standout across multiple matches, showing the kind of instinct and finishing ability that makes him one to watch in this program.
Every player on the field contributed to this team effort, with hard tackles, strong passes and exceptional teamwork. This will improve the more opportunities this player pool has to work together in the future.
With the recent announcement from Oceania Rugby that the Oceania 7s Cup and Challenger Competitions will not take place in 2026, Amerika Samoa Rugby Union and the American Samoa Rugby mo le Lumana’i Foundation are now preparing for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti in July-August 2027. The work during the Las Vegas assembly week was part of that foundation.
Head Coach, Mose Timoteo Veuki Taumoefolau James Vaifale Nolan Tuamoheloa Jeremy Zwick
Acknowledgments
ASRLF thanks the players who flew and drove in from across the country to be part of this assembly, the families and supporters who showed up at Silver Bowl Park and supported the team from a distance, and Head Coach, Mose Timoteo, for his leadership on and off the field throughout the week. Thanks also to Tautua Mo Samoa Las Vegas for hosting a historic event for the Nevada Samoan community, and to the core group of players who were present throughout the multi-day assembly. Our appreciation also goes to our ASRLF donors, and to Gilbert and World Rugby for the rugby balls donated and utilized for the assembly.
Esteban Tupuola Tumua Moors Filimone "Ami" Manu
This assembly was fully funded by the American Samoa Rugby mo le Lumana'i Foundation and the Foundation is currently seeking individual and corporate donations, and sponsorships for future assemblies and the Pacific Games 2027 in Tahiti.
Future Assemblies The Foundation is currently planning a US-based assembly and potential competition for the American Samoa Women's Rugby 7s Player Pool. After that, preparations will continue in 2027 in American Samoa so that the Talavalu and Segaula can be their most competitive in Tahiti. More details to be announced once available.
The full roster for the Talavalu Select Las Vegas assembly included the following players and staff:
Nolan Tuamoheloa (Captain)
Sione Masoe (Co-Captain)
Maze Masoe
James Vaifale
Esteban Tupuola
Filemone Manu (Ami)
Tumua Moors
Sulusi Satele
Sione Tuihalamaka
Jeremy Zwick
Veuki Taumoefolau
HEAD COACH: Mose Timoteo
MANAGER: Kristin Richeimer Timoteo
🇦🇸 Mo Le Lumana'i. For the Future. 🇦🇸
Comments