The Samoan Sevens team has been welcomed to the Whakatāne District in a civic ceremony today, ahead of their week-long training camp here in Whakatāne.

The team is coached by legendary Sevens coach, Sir Gordon Tietjens who is preparing the players for the Oceania tournament with the goal of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Following their local training camp, the players will move on to Mount Maunganui where the team will come up against the New Zealand All Black Sevens team.

Mayor-Elect Judy Turner welcomed the players in a pohiri this afternoon (Monday, 14 October) where speeches, song and dance were exchanged between the Samoan team, and members of the local Samoan community and Council staff. 

Players will carry out training sessions at Rugby Park, and also use the adjacent Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre to complement their physical training.