A FUTURE STAR FOR SAMOAN RUGBY - PITONE ASAFO

Written by Va’ai Nah Folasa | Blu TV

Last week the Prime Minister’s Championship tournament was held over 2 days at the St Joseph’s field at Lotopa. The competition drew teams from all educational districts of Samoa.

This year the tournament took a slightly different format with out of town teams being billeted at different host schools where they were provided with accommodation and food for the duration of the competition. This initiative by the Minister for Education saved parents of players the cost of hotel accommodation and also meant that the teams were housed together and cared for by fellow schools.

Blu-wave has reported this event as part of its presentations last week. However, one story has come to light which captures the spirit not only of this school boy competition, but of rugby Samoa.

Pitone Asafo is a 12 year old boy from the village of Falealupo, Savaii.  Proud son of Asafo and Nina, young Pitone was the winger for the U14 team for the District of Itu Asau which eventually won the Spoon.

This boy was clearly the smallest member of his team but surprisingly the fastest. He outpaced his much taller and older rivals, scoring tries and tackling boys much larger than himself.
Clearly already a fit and very talented player, what was so humbling about his performance was that he played in torn socks and without boots.

Remember his name because this Pitone Asafo is destined for a huge future in rugby. He is inspiring and captures the future of sport in Samoa

Click here to watch highlights of Pitone Asafo