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Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa and until 1997 known as Western Samoa, is a Polynesian island country consisting of two main islands ; two smaller, inhabited islands ; and several smaller, uninhabited islands, including the Aleipata Islands. Samoa is located 64 km (40 mi) west of American Samoa, 889 km (552 mi) northeast of Tonga, 1,152 km (716 mi) northeast of Fiji, 483 km (300 mi) east of Wallis and Futuna, 1,151 km (715 mi) southeast of Tuvalu, 519 km (322 mi) south of Tokelau, 4,190 km (2,600 mi) southwest of Hawaii, and 610 km (380 mi) northwest of Niue. The capital city is Apia. The Lapita people discovered and settled the Samoan Islands around 3,500 years ago. They developed a Samoan language and Samoan cultural identity.
The Samoa national rugby league team represents Samoa in rugby league football and has participated in international competition since 1986. Known as Western Samoa before 1997, the team is administered by Rugby League Samoa and are nicknamed Toa Samoa.
Anthony Puletua, also known by the nickname of "TP", is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League. A New Zealand and Samoan international, Puletua previously played for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League competition, primarily as second-row forward.
Sports in American Samoa are slightly different from sports in Samoa. The main difference is that Samoans in American Samoa are more likely to follow or play American sports such as American football, basketball, and baseball. Western Samoans are more likely to follow or play rugby union, rugby league, and netball. Sports such as mixed martial arts, boxing, professional wrestling, and volleyball are popular among most ethnic Samoans regardless of location.
The main sports played in Samoa are rugby union and rugby league. Other popular sports are netball and soccer. Samoans in American Samoa are more likely to follow or play American sports such as American football, basketball, and baseball. Sports such as mixed martial arts, boxing, professional wrestling, and volleyball are popular among most ethnic Samoans regardless of location.
Football Federation American Samoa (FFAS) is the governing body for competitive football in the nation of American Samoa.
The 1980 Samoa National League, or also known as the Upolo First Division, was the 2nd edition of the Samoa National League, the top league of the Football Federation Samoa. Vaivase-tai won their second title, eventually becoming the second in a three title streak.
The 1981 Samoa National League, or also known as the Upolo First Division, was the 3rd edition of the Samoa National League, the top league of the Football Federation Samoa. SCOPA won their first title and Vaivase-tai won their third title, completing a three title streak.
The 1982 Samoa National League, or also known as the Upolo First Division, was the 4th edition of the Samoa National League, the top league of the Football Federation Samoa. Alafua FC won their first title.
The 1984 Samoa National League, or also known as the Upolo First Division, was the 6th edition of the Samoa National League, the top league of the Football Federation Samoa. Kiwi F.C. won their first title, eventually becoming the first in a three title streak.
The 1985 Samoa National League, or also known as the Upolo First Division, was the 7th edition of the Samoa National League, the top league of the Football Federation Samoa. Kiwi F.C. won their second title, eventually becoming the second in a three title streak.
The 1997 Samoa National League, or also known as the Upolo First Division, was the 8th edition of the Samoa National League, the top league of the Football Federation Samoa. Kiwi F.C. won their third title, completing a three title streak.
Moaula United is a Samoan football club based in Apia. It currently plays in Samoa National League.
Cruz Azul was a Samoan football club. It played in the Samoa National League.
The 2001 Samoa National League, or also known as the Upolo First Division, was the 13th edition of the Samoa National League, the top league of the Football Federation Samoa. Goldstar Sogi won their first title.
The 2002 Samoa National League, or also known as the Upolo First Division, was the 14th edition of the Samoa National League, the top league of the Football Federation Samoa. Strickland Brothers Lepea won their first title.
The Pacific Rugby League International is a rugby league test match that has been played between two Pacific Island nations during the National Rugby League's annual representative weekend since 2013. The fixture was held at Penrith Stadium for the 2013 and 2014 test matches. In 2015, two fixtures were held; Samoa and Tonga competed for the Polynesian Cup while Fiji and Papua New Guinea competed for the Melanesian Cup at Cbus Super Stadium. In 2016 the fixtures returned to New South Wales and were held at Parramatta's Pirtek Stadium.
The 2006 Samoa National League, or also known as the Upolo First Division, was the 18th edition of the Samoa National League, the top league of the Football Federation Samoa. Vaivase-tai won their sixth title, the last in the record number of titles by any team in the Samoa National League.
The 2008 Samoa National League, or also known as the Upolo First Division, was the 20th edition of the Samoa National League, the top league of the Football Federation Samoa. OSM Sinamoga won their first record title, though it is thought that they won their first title in the unrecorded period from 1986-96.
The 2016 Pacific Rugby League International was again split into two games. The first was the Melanesian Cup between Papua New Guinea and Fiji. The second was the Polynesian Cup between Samoa and Tonga.
References
- ↑ "Samoa – List of Champions". RSSSF . Retrieved 2015-10-30.