Samoa’s Manusina women’s rugby team beautifully welcomed international teams at one of the Women’s Rugby World Cup opening ceremonies in England.
Following their captain's address at Rates Hall, Manchester, the Manusina side sang ‘Afio mai ia Iesu e’ to the Australian, Scotland and Wales teams who were also in attendance.
“Beautiful voices and harmony,” one commenter wrote.
“At this rate, I’m convinced that you need to be an exceptional singer as well as a class rugby player to represent any of the Pacific Island nations,” another said.
A third added: “La pule pea mai se'ia so'o atunu'u. E olioli tele ai matou!” 🎶 singing along and cheering you on, team. Love this!”
This isn’t the only time the beautiful voices of teams far from home have echoed through the opening weekend of sport events.
Fijian athletes made their presence felt at the Paris Olympics last year, welcoming international teams on the opening weekend with a hymn as they settled into their accommodation.
"What the Olympics are all about, so special," Australian water poloist Matilda Kearns wrote on Instagram. "Best seat in the house next to the Fijians.”
All the different cultures here will never get old.
There’s no denying the same could be said for the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
After five separate ceremonies held in Sunderland, Northampton, Exeter, Manchester and York, all 16 teams are ready to kickstart their World Cup journeys.
Samoa’s first match-up of the competition plays this Saturday, where they face Australia.
Our New Zealand Black Ferns will first face Spain on Monday, 25th August.
We wish both teams the very best. We'll be watching and cheering you on from home!
