The Samoa national team enjoyed their week in Fiji as they took part and won the Pacific Energy Ovalau 7s tournament in Nasau Park, Levuka, Ovalau yesterday.

They beat Duavata 43-5 in the final at Nasau Park, Levuka. Coach Damian McGrath said even though it was a tough competition, the team really enjoyed the Fijian hospitality.

“It was truly a privilege being part of this tournament, the welcome and support we got from the locals was truly amazing,” McGrath said.

“Being the only team from outside we were made to feel welcome and me and the team really appreciated that. I would like to thank the Fijian community for their wonderful hospitality; it was really great and we hope we can come down more often to play here.”

Samoa went unbeaten throughout the tournament meeting Duavata in the finals and won 43-5, but McGrath said the local teams put on a good performance.

“We found that as we moved on to the next game, it got tougher and the local teams really challenged us,” he said.

With the 2016 Rio Olympic qualifications in two weeks time in New Zealand and the first leg of the World Sevens Series in Dubai a month away, McGrath believes the tournament was a crucial stepping stone for the team.

“Our participation in this tournament is really important to us because we have the Rio qualifiers coming up as well as the World Sevens Series. So this is something we really needed to help see where we are at in preparation and as a team but it is also difficult for me as a coach.

“The players have done exceptionally well and it is tough for me to just pick on 12 players to represent Samoa, so we will see how things go.

“We are grateful to have taken part in this tournament.”

The team returns tomorrow.

Feedback:  justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj