AGP Executive Report

Samoan Fashion Spotlight: Samoan designer Teleasau Joy Paese will represent Samoa with Baseman Designs at PNG Fashion Week 2026 in Port Moresby (18–19 Sept), bringing faith, family and cultural identity to the runway. French Language & Culture: Fale Falani Society is expanding French classes in Samoa for both adults and children, using textbooks and French films at Tiapapata Art Centre, with support from the French Embassy. Sports & Community: Samoa’s rugby governance is in flux as the government backs a new SRFU while World Rugby continues to recognise Lakapi Sāmoa internationally. Rugby Sevens in Rotorua: Rotorua will host the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup next month, with Samoa among the men’s teams and Samoa also in the women’s Oceania 7s Cup. Boxing in Samoa: The Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition continues at Tuanaimato Sports Complex, with Samoa’s athletes competing alongside Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. Music & Language: APRA Silver Scroll finalists include LEAO for “LALELEI,” the first song written and performed entirely in gagana Samoa to reach the top five.

Samoan Fashion Spotlight: Samoan designer Teleasau Joy Paese will bring “Baseman Designs” to PNG Fashion Week 2026, sharing a story of faith, family, and cultural identity inspired by Samoa’s colours, siapo patterns, and ancestral villages. Regional Sports & Rugby Governance: Samoa’s government has formally backed a new rugby union, the Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU), while World Rugby still recognises Lakapi Samoa—leaving a big question over how roles will work internationally. Women’s Rugby on the Rise: Fiji and Samoa are set to represent the Pacific at the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong as they build momentum toward future Rugby World Cup campaigns. Local Community & Safety: A police officer is under investigation after an alleged assault on a youth during the Measina Festival, with the Acting Police Commissioner confirming internal review and training standards. Pacific Health Research: New Pacific research is exploring how better sleep and circadian rhythms could help tackle youth mental health challenges, including in Samoa. Boxing in Samoa: Australia and New Zealand are leading the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026 in Samoa, with Fiji also strong across women’s divisions. Cricket Results: PNG’s Garamuts opened their U19 EAP qualifier in Vanuatu with a huge 285-run win over Samoa. Music & Language Pride: LEAO’s “LALELEI” (written and performed in gagana Samoa) is among the finalists for the 2026 APRA Silver Scroll Awards. NFL Culture Moment: Samoan-born NFL star Jesse Sapolu says Polynesian actors like Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa would be ideal for a movie about his life.

WXV Rugby: England’s Red Roses roared back after trailing Australia 10-5 at half-time, scoring five tries in 15 minutes to win 48-15 and set up a Canada clash next Saturday in Exeter. Samoa Rugby Governance: Samoa’s government has formally backed a new Samoa Rugby Football Union, but World Rugby says Lakapi Samoa remains the country’s full member and international role continues for now. Pacific 7s in Rotorua: Rotorua will host the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup next month, with Samoa among eight men’s teams and Samoa also in the women’s Oceania 7s Cup. Fashion & Culture: Samoan designer Teleasau Joy Paese will represent Baseman Designs at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing faith, family and Samoan design inspiration to Port Moresby. Sports Spotlight (Samoa): Australia dominates the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition in Samoa as the event enters its final days. Community Watch: A police officer is under investigation after an alleged assault during the Measina Festival, with the Acting Police Commissioner confirming internal review. Mental Health Research: A new Pacific study led with Samoa’s Ministry of Health explores how better sleep and morning light could support youth mental health.

Samoan Rugby Governance: Samoa’s government has formally backed a new Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU), while World Rugby says there’s no immediate change to Samoa’s international schedule as discussions continue with Lakapi Samoa. Netball on Home Soil: Tonga hosts the Pacific Netball World Cup qualifier next week with Samoa among the five Pacific teams chasing two spots, and Tonga’s CEO says home advantage is already teaching the squad. Fashion & Culture: Samoan designer Teleasau Joy Paese will represent Baseman Designs at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing faith, family, and siapo-inspired identity to Port Moresby. Sports Spotlight: Rotorua will host the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup next month, with Samoa and Tonga in the men’s field and Samoa in the women’s SVNS 3 qualifier. Community Safety: A police officer is under investigation after an alleged assault during the Measina Festival, with the acting commissioner confirming internal review. Youth Football: New Zealand booked the OFC Men’s U19 final in Apia, beating New Caledonia 6-1, with Samoa in the U20 group stage draw. Boxing: Australia and New Zealand lead the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition in Samoa as Fiji shines in women’s divisions.

Samoan Fashion Spotlight: Teleasau Joy Paese is set to represent Samoa with Baseman Designs at PNG Fashion Week 2026 in Port Moresby, bringing a story of faith, family, and cultural identity through siapo-inspired colour and patterns. Rugby Governance: Samoa’s government has formally backed a new rugby union, the Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU), while World Rugby continues to list Lakapi Samoa—keeping the international future of Manu Samoa under a cloud. Sevens on Home Soil: Rotorua will host the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup next month, with Samoa named in the men’s field and also in the women’s Oceania 7s Women’s Cup. Sports & Community: A police officer is under investigation after an alleged assault during the Measina Festival, caught on a circulating video. Boxing: Australia and New Zealand are leading the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition in Samoa as the event moves into its final days. Music & Culture: APRA Silver Scroll Awards have named gagana Samoa song “LALELEI” by LEAO among the finalists, celebrating Pacific language in Aotearoa music. Youth Sport: PNG Garamuts opened their U19 qualifier with a big win over Samoa in Vanuatu.

Samoan Rugby Governance: Samoa’s government has formally backed a new rugby union, approving the Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU) while World Rugby continues to recognise Lakapi Sāmoa—leaving a big question over how Samoa’s international rugby role will work going forward. Rugby Sevens in Rotorua: Rotorua will host the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup next month, with Samoa among the men’s teams and Samoa also in the women’s Oceania 7s Cup, doubling as an SVNS 3 qualifier. Women’s Rugby on the Move: Fiji and Samoa are set to represent the Pacific at the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong, with both aiming to build momentum toward future Rugby World Cup campaigns. Boxing Spotlight in Samoa: Australia and New Zealand are leading day three of the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition at Tuanaimato Sports Complex, with Samoa’s minister opening the event and more sessions ahead. Sports Pathways & Inspiration: Samoan-descended NFL star Puka Nacua says the league’s historic Australia game could open new pathways for Pacific youth, while Samoa’s netball star Lenora Misa returns to elite competition after ACL setbacks. Arts & Culture: APRA Silver Scroll Awards have named gagana Samoa song “LALELEI” by LEAO among the finalists, celebrating Samoan language in Aotearoa music. Community Safety: The Lalaga le Vā initiative launches in Samoa with a national push against drugs and violence, led by the Prime Minister and partner ministries.

NRL Contract Buzz: Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is reportedly seeking $1.4m a year for his next deal, with Samoa World Cup selection adding extra spotlight to the negotiations. U-17 Women’s World Cup: Kenya’s Junior Starlets named a provisional 30-player squad for Morocco, with Samoa drawn in Group E and set to face Kenya on Oct 25. Pacific Pathways in Sport: Samoan sports chief Tuala Mathew Vaea says New Zealand should open doors for athletes, echoing calls for easier access to high-performance training across the Tasman. Rugby Governance Shake-up: Samoa’s government backs the new Sāmoa Rugby Football Union, but World Rugby says there’s no immediate change to Samoa’s international schedule while talks continue with Lakapi Sāmoa. Women’s Rugby on the Move: Fiji and Samoa will represent the Pacific at the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong, aiming to build momentum toward future Rugby World Cup campaigns. Mental Health Research: New Pacific study led with Samoa’s Ministry of Health explores how better sleep and circadian habits could help youth anxiety and depression. Music Spotlight: APRA Silver Scroll Awards reveal 2026 finalists, including gagana Samoa standout LEAO for “LALELEI.” Netball Qualifier: Samoa and PNG kick off the Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier in Tonga, with two spots up for grabs. Arts & Culture: A viral feature film from tiny Naoero (Nauru) “Far End of the Sea” is drawing global attention with its Pacific-centred storytelling.

Rugby Governance: Samoa’s Cabinet has formally backed the Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU) as the official rugby body, but World Rugby says Manu Samoa/Lakapi Sāmoa remains listed and international programmes continue as normal—leaving a big question over who leads Samoa’s World Cup pathway. Women’s Rugby: Fiji and Samoa will represent the Pacific at the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong, with Manu’s Manusina squad set to play across three rounds as they build toward future Rugby World Cup campaigns. Mental Health & Youth: New Pacific research led with Samoa’s Ministry of Health is exploring how better sleep and circadian rhythms could help tackle anxiety and depression in Pacific youth. Sport Tourism: Rotorua is set to host the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup, with Samoa among the men’s teams and multiple Pacific unions chasing SVNS 3 qualification spots. Music Spotlight: APRA Silver Scroll Awards have revealed 2026 finalists, including gagana Samoa breakthrough “LALELEI” by LEAO. Netball Update: Lenora Misa, back from two ACL injuries, has been selected for Queensland Fusion, aiming to return to top-level netball after starring for Samoa at the Netball World Cup. Boxing & Culture: Samoa’s PM says boxing can build courage and pride, with government support and opportunities for Pacific fighters during a week-long tournament. Arts & Entertainment: KnokX Pro Entertainment’s “MANA” Polynesian revue at Treasure Island Las Vegas tells Robert Louis Stevenson’s South Pacific journey, including his time in Samoa. Community & Outdoors: Samoa Dunes hosts a National Public Lands Day volunteer event and poker run on Sept 12, mixing beach clean-ups, 4x4 challenges, and local music.

Polynesian Stage Spotlight: KnokX Pro Entertainment is bringing “MANA — The Polynesian Revue & Luau” to Treasure Island Las Vegas, telling Robert Louis Stevenson’s South Pacific journey through Polynesian dance, music and storytelling, with Samoa featured in the real-life route. Rugby Governance Watch: World Rugby says there’s no immediate change to Samoa’s international schedule while discussions continue after a governance dispute between the Samoan government and Lakapi Samoa, with the Samoa Rugby Football Union now approved as the official rugby body. Netball Comeback & Selection: Lenora Misa, back from two ACL injuries, has been selected for Queensland Fusion and is aiming for the next step toward elite netball after starring for Samoa at the Netball World Cup. Pacific Netball Qualifier: Tonga hosts the Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier next week, with Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands and PNG chasing two spots. Food & Culture: The “Tuna Bites” campaign launches across Pacific countries, including Samoa, with a tuna-dish competition celebrating Pacific cuisine and food security. Sports Pathways: Samoa’s top sports official says athletes need easier access to high-performance training in NZ/Aotearoa, echoing Australia’s new Pacific sport investment.

Samoa Rugby Governance: Cabinet has approved the Samoa Rugby Football Union as the official rugby governing body, moving the country toward a clearer path for Manu Samoa as the Rugby World Cup looms. Rugby World Cup Future: World Rugby says there will be no immediate changes to Samoa’s international schedule while discussions continue amid the governance dispute. Netball Spotlight: Samoa and PNG kick off the Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier in Tonga on 14 September, with Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji, PNG and Samoa chasing two World Cup spots. Netball Comeback: Lenora Misa, back from two ACL injuries, has been selected for Queensland Fusion’s squad, after a standout Samoa World Cup run. Rugby League Talent: Hull FC has denied signing rumours about Cowboys winger Jaxson Paulo, saying there’s no deal in place for 2027. Food & Media: Ed Leota of Taste of Samoa is set to appear on Beyond Success TV, sharing how his family business grew from a garage to events and storefront service. Pacific Sports Development: Fiji is pushing for new Pacific rugby league 9s and 13-a-side tournaments, with Samoa included in the proposed teams. Cultural Arts: POP48 film challenge is underway in Fiji, with teams from Samoa and other Pacific islands taking part to tell stories from their own perspectives.

Samoa Rugby Governance: Cabinet has approved the Samoa Rugby Football Union as the official rugby governing body, following separate 7s tournaments that left uncertainty over which banner Manu Samoa will play under ahead of Rugby World Cup 2028. Pacific Netball: Samoa and four other Oceania teams battle in Tonga for two Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier spots, with Samoa set to open against PNG on 14 September. Samoa Sports Pathways: SASNOC’s top sports official says Samoa would welcome a long-term, access-focused partnership like Australia’s new high-performance investment, arguing visas and training opportunities matter as much as funding. Boxing & Community: Samoa’s PM backed boxing’s future during an ava welcome for Oceania teams, framing the sport as a way to build courage, resilience, and pride. Pickleball Win: Goretti Su’a adds another international gold at the Heineken Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam, strengthening Samoa’s growing presence in the sport. Arts & Film: Fiji’s POP48 48-hour film challenge is pushing filmmakers to tell Pacific stories from authentic perspectives, with teams including Samoa competing. Food Culture: Ed Leota of Taste of Samoa is set to appear on Beyond Success TV, sharing how his family business grew from garage cooking to events and storefront service. Sports Spotlight: Tuinakauvadra is back with the Wallaroos in the UK after injury setbacks, targeting a return against England, France, and Scotland.

Samoa Rugby Governance: Cabinet has approved the Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU) as the official rugby governing body, following separate 7s tournaments by Lakapi Samoa and SRFU and raising questions about leadership ahead of the 2028 Rugby World Cup. Pacific Rugby League: Fiji’s national rugby league body is pushing new Pacific 9s and a 13-a-side tournament, with Samoa named among teams, aiming to create more pathways for island resident players. Samoa Sports & Culture: Prime Minister backs boxing’s future at an ava welcome for Oceania teams, saying Samoans are “artistic boxers” and calling for early government support. Measina Festival Highlights: Goretti Su’a won gold at the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam, while local arts coverage spotlighted master weavers urging youth to keep traditional mat-making alive and Fire Knife champion Lene Luaono taking top honours. Food & Identity: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” across Pacific countries, including Samoa, with a tuna-dish competition celebrating Pacific cuisine and food security. Film & Storytelling: Pasifika TV’s POP48 challenge is underway, daring filmmakers across Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands to tell their own stories in 48 hours.

Samoa Rugby Governance: Cabinet has approved the Samoa Rugby Football Union as the official rugby governing body, setting up a clearer path for rugby leadership as the 2028 Rugby World Cup looms. Boxing Future: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt used an ava welcome for Oceania boxing teams to pledge government support and push for early planning, facilities and international opportunities for young Samoan boxers. Pickleball Glory: Goretti Su’a added another international gold, winning Women’s Singles 50+ 5.0 at the Heineken Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, building on last year’s historic win. Traditional Arts: Master weavers are urging young people to keep learning fine mat weaving despite modern mats entering Samoa, with Measina festival stalls showcasing techniques and natural materials. Measina Festival Spotlight: Lene Luaono was crowned Fire Knife Champion at Ailao Afi, with performances drawing on warrior traditions and featuring even young autistic competitors. Pacific Sports Access: Samoa’s sports chief says NZ should open doors for athletes, after Australia announced a four-year A$15.6m push to help Pacific athletes reach high-performance training and major competitions. Rugby League & Samoa: Brisbane prop Payne Haas says Samoa selection depends on finger surgery, with the Rugby League World Cup starting Oct 15. Film Challenge for Pasifika Voices: POP48 is back with teams from Samoa and other Pacific nations racing to tell their own stories in 48 hours, aiming to reclaim the Pacific narrative. Tuna Bites Campaign: FFA and SPC launched a Pacific Tuna Month culinary competition celebrating tuna’s role in food security, with Samoa among participating countries.

Rugby & Sport (Samoa): Samoa’s boxing future got a Prime Minister-backed boost at an ava welcome for Oceania teams, with Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt pledging government support and new opportunities for young Samoans. Rugby Governance: Cabinet approved the Samoa Rugby Football Union as the official rugby governing body, aiming to end the current split after Lakapi Samoa and SRFU ran separate 7s events. Pickleball Win: Samoa’s Goretti Su’a added another international gold, taking Women’s Singles 50+ 5.0 at the Heineken Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang. Culture & Arts: Measina Festival highlights kept rolling—master weavers urged youth to keep traditional fine-mat skills alive, while Lene Luaono won the Ailao Afi fire-knife champion title. Community Events: Samoa Dunes hosted a volunteer day and poker run for National Public Lands Day, mixing clean-ups, 4x4 challenges, and local learning. Regional Rugby League: Fiji is discussing a Pacific 9s series with Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, NZ and PNG—plus possible rugby union 13s and touring tests. Entertainment & Film: POP48 is challenging Pacific filmmakers to tell their own stories fast—teams from Samoa and others will race to make short films in 48 hours. Sports Spotlight: A young Māori-Samoan speedway racer shared how family support and early work helped him chase the track dream.

Samoa Rugby Governance: Cabinet has approved the Samoa Rugby Football Union as the official rugby governing body, following separate 7s tournaments by Lakapi Samoa and S.R.F.U. and raising questions about interim leadership as Manu Samoa’s 2028 banner decision looms. Measina Festival Culture: Samoa’s master weavers are urging young people to keep learning traditional fine mat weaving despite modern mats entering the market, while the Measina Festival’s Ailao Afi fire-knife highlight crowned Lene Luaono and showcased performers including young autistic participants. Pickleball Spotlight: Goretti Su’a won gold again at the Heineken Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, adding a second consecutive international medal for Samoa in the 50+ 5.0 division. Pacific Film & Storytelling: POP48 is underway, challenging Pacific filmmakers to tell their own stories fast—teams from Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands are racing to create short films in 48 hours. Sports on the Radar: World Rugby rankings keep the Springboks on top as the All Blacks chase history, while Samoa-linked rugby league news includes Payne Haas’ finger surgery update affecting his World Cup chances.

Samoa Rugby Governance: Cabinet has approved the Samoa Rugby Football Union (S.R.F.U.) as the official rugby governing body, with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation leading restructuring as the country faces uncertainty over leadership and the Manu Samoa banner ahead of the 2028 Rugby World Cup. Measina Festival Culture: Traditional master weavers are urging young people to keep learning fine mat weaving despite modern mats entering Samoa, with the Weaving Society showcasing techniques and natural materials during Measina Week. Fire Knife Spotlight: Lene Luaono of Gagaifo Lefaga and Tufuiopa took champion honours in the Ailao Afi fire knife dancing competition, with performances drawing on warrior tradition and even featuring young autistic performers. Pickleball Win: Samoa’s Goretti Su’a added another international gold, winning Women’s Singles 50+ 5.0 at the Heineken Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang after her historic 2025 title. Tuna Bites Campaign: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with Samoa set to join a TV-broadcast culinary competition celebrating tuna’s role in Pacific food and culture. Film From a Tiny Island: Naoero (Nauru) has gone viral with its first feature film, “Far End of the Sea,” spotlighting Pacific culture and landscape and bringing global attention to local storytelling.