Samoa's Rugby Super Women | Witness

Samoa has produced some of the world's best rugby players. But for decades, cultural norms prevented women from playing the sport.

As a young girl, Tafale longed to play the game, even though her parents discouraged her from taking it up.

Now a single mother, she embraces Samoan customs, known as the Fa'a Samoa, and diligently meets her family responsibilities. But she hasn't given up her rugby dreams.

When Olympic try-outs are announced, Tafale is determined to make the women's national team. Can she maintain local traditions and still fulfil her ambitions?

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[soaraven]

May God bless this strong young talented Samoa 🇼🇸 girls that are chasing their dreams💪🏽. Cute the baby in this video. Beautiful Samoa from 🇹🇴 Tonga

[booyahu]

At 5.40 with the children racing on the road. That bought back fond memories of my cousins and I doing exactly the same thing. Amazing story and bless you Tafale for respecting your fa'asamoa. God bless you and your family.

[katanagt]

The coach is criticizing the Samoan based players for their lack of communication but he needs to learn to communicate himself. If you don't know how to speak your mother tongue then at least figure out ways to communicate with our players because last I checked, you're employed by the Samoan Rugby Union. Well done Tafale for making the team and being humble in doing so. It was very heart warming watching your journey. Malo lava le taumafai.

[katopautuilaepa]

Love how humble tafale is. She's so fit and I'm proud of how she keeps her culture and family close to her heart. Alofa tele mo oe tafele. God bless❤💚💛

[cozzyinternet]

Good to see Al Jazeera coming to the Pacific!!
cheers!!

[cchildish]

That video was very amazing. Thank you. I appreciate the hard work that you put in to your life and into this video. Thank you 😊 for representing our culture and how we never give up.

[linegrant]

Wow I remembered those days growing up. Loved to sasa vao and go to the farm. Plan to rtn to Am.Samoa my homefor good. Left in 76 and returned for the 1st time in 2018. The island looks so different houses almost on top of each other.

[flyinghadhigh]

Great documentary. You can see Melani Matavao at the team briefing. Also Semo Sititi. 🏉🇼🇸

[faatimahislander]

Talofae...Tafele best describes the Samoan spirit. Malo lave le taumafai, Malo Samoa

[explore]

It should be a mandatory requirement if you are going to be a coach for Samoa you speak the language...how do you expect the players from Samoa to understand if all you speak is English!!

[thomasdunn]

she should be proud and hold her head high.

[toamataafa]

Tafale’s lack of communication makes it harder for her to do more, other than that she’s a very good player. I think one thing’s holding her back is her child, and that takes away her 💯% commitment to the game..wish her well with her little Princess👍

[jackjaamaiava]

im really proud of .god bless you also your dream come true .

[hoseamatavao]

Right on sisters hope to catch some of your games 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[linegrant]

Wow good training girl running up the mtn. Remembered those days when I was stationed in Landstuhl Germany. Running up hill was nothing on those days

[norrinradd]

If players don't trust If players don't know they won't open up to you, communication is the key and the coach far from an exemplar himself

[vitaleleafi]

It would be beneficial for all members of the team for their coach to explain things in english and samoan as well. He is samoan, learn the language.

[brooklynleelo_]

Pls what's that song when there in the hallway of the changing rooms

[hoseamatavao]

Wow that's kool didn't know samoan girls played hope catch them on"ESPN"

[Didewro]

I had a Soman GF years should have married her! LoL They are awesome women! I can't wait to visit.