Leaupepe Nigel Vagana Cup kicks off its third year

Grass roots rugby league continues to flourish in the Pacific as school boys across Samoa prepare for the annual Leaupepe Nigel Vagana Cup.

In its third year of competition, this year's LNV Cup will be the biggest Samoan-based rugby league competition yet, with over 800 participants across 15 schools in groups aged 12, 14, 16 and 18's.

The tournament will be played over 2 days on the 24th and 25th of April at LDS Pesega College. Friday will see the under 12's and 14' s compete with the 16's and 18's playing on Saturday.

A special opportunity awaits the winners of the Under 16's category, with the champion school to host the Avalon Bulldogs from Manly, Australia for a friendly game in September. The opportunity will provide the successful school a chance to teach the visiting team about Samoan culture and show their school pride.

The LNV Cup was launched in 2012 by Rugby League Samoa and NRL Development Officer Chris Newman. The inaugural competition saw 6 schools compete, and laid down the foundations for school-based rugby league programs to develop and grow across Samoa.

This year will see Rugby League Samoa hit a major milestone, with the LNV Cup to hold a tournament in Savaii (the big island) for the first time next month.

"For the tournament to grow so big in Upolu (the main island) and now expanding to Savaii is a true testament to the continued popularity and expansion of the game," NRL DO Chris Newman said.

"I am really humbled each time I come to Samoa for the LNV Cup and other programs. Everyone here is so welcoming and wants to see Rugby League grow."

School Development Director, Laulu Tuugatiti Leauanae is thankful for the knowledge and skills Chris brings from the NRL and Australia.

"It's always exciting when Chris comes to Samoa. He started everything with the School development including the LNV Cup.

"To have a palagi (foreigner) come and have that much respect from the locals is something that can be treasured.

"He is the reason we all love Rugby League now and the reason our kids can enjoy the experience of playing the game"

The LNV Cup will also provide an opportunity for Chris to observe and potentially scout Samoan talent.

"I'm sure that they will be plenty of talent running around in the next couple of days and I will certainly keeping a close eye out to report back to some NRL clubs who have shown some interest in what Samoa has to display."

"Last year we saw the Dragons run a three day camp for the TOA Academy and we hope that more NRL clubs will come on board to support and assist in providing a natural pathway for these kids straight from the island.''

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Under 12's
LDS Middle School Pesega
Vaivase - Tai Primary
Peace Chapel (2014 Champions)
Ah-Mu Academy
Magiagi Primary
Laulii Primary

Under 14's
LDS Middle School Pesega (2014 Champions)
Vaivase - Tai Primary
Peace Chapel
Ah-Mu Academy
Magiagi Primary
Laulii Primary
Samoa College
Robert Louis Stevenson

Under 16's
LDS Church College
Paul VI
Saint Joseph's College
Maluafou College
Leifiifi College
Leulumoega- Fou College
Robert Louis Stevenson College
Nuuausala College (2014 Champions)
Samoa College
Channel College

Under 18's
LDS Church College
Saint Joseph's College
Maluafou College
Leifiifi College
Leulumoega- Fou College
Nuuausala College (2014 Champions)
Channel College