TOP rugby union teams in Samoa have crossed the code divide to play in the first ever Faleata Nines on the island of Upolu.
Marist Saints, a union team not to be confused with a team by the same name that took out the Vailimia Marist Fantastic Nines earlier in the year, won the tournament and now all the union players are eligible for league representative sides as a result of playing in the event.
The eight-team tournament came after a unique agreement between the Faleata Rugby Union and Samoa Rugby League. A Faleata representative side will play in the upcoming Samoa Super Nines series.
The all-conquering Marists beat Lepea Village 27-0 in the tournament final.
Other teams in the tournament were Malie Tunani Springboks, Alfau Raiders, Taufusi Eels, Falelauniu Storm and Vailoa Broncos.
“We only prepared for one week,” Marist captain Savea Etuale Pitone told the Samoa Observer.
“We work very hard on our defence, some of the brothers are not built to be rugby league athletes they are fit for rugby union only.
“They are familiar with the union and not the league. It was hard to build the connection between them but we have managed to pull through it all. The transition is really hard but the boys were able to pull it together and we have managed to secure this championship today.”
