Toa Samoa Homecoming
Toa Samoa
Photo: RLWC
Samoa’s cherished Toa Samoa rugby league squad is scheduled to ring in the New Year 2023 in Samoa.
This is according to the official Toa Samoa schedule released by organisers on Tuesday, 27 December, 2022.
The team arrives in two groups traveling on two separate flights – the first arriving Tuesday evening, 27 December at Faleolo International Airport and the second group scheduled to land on Wednesday afternoon, 28 December.
The team is staying at the Return to Paradise Resort in Lefaga.
Tuesday and Wednesday have been set aside for arrivals and allowing for the team to settle in at their accommodations.
Beginning Thursday morning, the athletes are in for a whirlwind three days of events.
In true Samoan fashion, the homecoming celebration and visits will kick off with prayer.
A Lotu hosted by the Government of Samoa at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral in Mulivai, Apia opens their official homecoming schedule.
The Lotu starts at 8:30 a.m.
Following Lotu, there is a Parade and Lotu Faafetai set for 10 a.m.
Toa Samoa will meet with the Samoa media during a 12 p.m. press conference. The public will also have the chance to meet their favourite player on Thursday.
On Friday, they will meet with former Head of State Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi at his Tuaefu residence.
After Tua’efu, the team has a photo shoot at Apia Park
They will also meet with Samoa Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II in Vailele and then the Little Sisters of the Poor and residents of the Home for the Aged at Mapuifagalele.
The squad will travel to Vailima for a visit with the Carmelite Sisters.
The team will dine at Return to Paradise for a sponsored dinner on Thursday evening.
On Friday, they will host guests and invitees at the resort in Lefaga.
The Samoa Government will host the team for dinner at Taumeasina Island Resort on Friday night.
A trip to Savai’i on Saturday, New Year’s Eve has been written into the schedule but travel has yet to be confirmed.
Athletes will spend 1 January, 2023, the New Year’s Day Sunday with their families for Church and toonai.
Monday, 2 January is designated as Family Day.
Players are scheduled to begin departing Samoa on 2 January at 4 p.m. for New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Toa Samoa athlete Anavaotaua Joseph Suaalii was the first to arrive in Samoa.
He came early to receive the matai title Anavaotaua from Satitoa, Aleipata.