Samoa appoint NRL, NRLW coaches for Pacific Championships
Rugby League Samoa is thrilled to announce the appointment of distinguished coaches Ben Gardiner and Jamie Soward to lead the Toa Samoa men's and Fetu Samoa women's teams during the upcoming Pacific Championships.
These appointments signify a monumental step forward for Rugby League Samoa as it ushers in a new era of excellence in Samoan rugby league.
Rugby League Samoa is delighted to introduce Gardiner as the newly appointed head coach for Toa Samoa.
Gardiner, who is the assistant coach for the current NRL premiers Penrith, is a highly respected figure in the rugby league community, who brings a wealth of experience to the position and has a proven track record of coaching success.
Ben Gardiner coached the 2023 Maori All Stars team (NRL Photos)
His leadership will be instrumental as Toa Samoa gears up to compete in the upcoming Pacific Championships.
Gardiner said: "It is a privilege and honour to be entrusted with the role of head coach for Toa Samoa. It is a great opportunity to build connection and relationships as we move into a new era for Rugby league Samoa.
"Samoa has a rich rugby league heritage that connects us with culture & high performance, and I am committed to working tirelessly with our talented athletes to prepare them for the Pacific Championships. Together, we aim to make Samoa proud on the international stage."
Rugby League Samoa is equally thrilled to welcome Soward as the newly appointed head coach for Fetu Samoa.
Soward, a former NRL star and an advocate for women's rugby league development, is renowned for his passion for the game and his dedication to fostering the growth of female athletes.
He is coach of the St George Illawarra Dragons NRLW team.
“It is an extreme honour and privilege to coach Fetu Samoa," Soward said.
"There is a large number of Polynesian women in the NRLW competition, and it’s exciting to have many of these players represent Samoa. I am also looking forward to embracing the Samoan culture during this journey."
Jamie Soward is the current Dragons NRLW coach (NRL Photos)
These coaching appointments signify a pivotal moment in Rugby League Samoa's journey. As the teams prepare for the Pacific Championships, it's clear that Rugby League Samoa is invested in nurturing talent and fostering an environment for success.
The future holds great promise, and these coaches bring their dedication and expertise to the forefront. Their appointment aligns seamlessly with Rugby League Samoa's vision for the sport's long-term growth and development.
With the support of former Toa Samoa Captains Nigel Vagana, Tony Puletua and Willie Poching, the future holds great promise. Their dedication to the sport and their mentorship will undoubtedly play a crucial role in guiding Samoa's rugby league teams to victory.
In addition to celebrating the appointment of these esteemed coaches, Rugby League Samoa extends a heartfelt appreciation to the global chapters across New Zealand and Australia.
These dedicated chapters play a vital role in supporting Samoan rugby league across various diasporas, fostering talent, and nurturing a sense of community among Samoan rugby league enthusiasts.
In particular, their remarkable efforts in developing and administering the Fetu Samoa team exemplify their dedication to the sport and the Samoan heritage.
Rugby League Samoa recognises that it's the combined passion and commitment from these chapters that contribute to the growth and success of Samoan rugby league, both at home and abroad.
