SEREANA SALALO/PACNEWS

The 23-year-old opened the scores during their match against Australia at Stade de France yesterday; Samoa lost 21-14.  

Despite their two consecutive losses in their pool matches, the first time Olympian hopes that their Olympic debut will inspire the next generation of Samoa.  

“I feel very happy that I got the chance to do that,” Motu said. 

“I never expected to score first, it was a good start especially being at my first Olympic Games. 

“It was always a dream of mine to play for Samoa, it was something that I wished for, for a long time and I worked hard to achieve it. 

“I’ve always watched Olympics on TV and to be here feels so surreal; I’m always trying to learn and get better. 

“To the younger boys back home continue to work hard and keep learning and I challenge them to chase their dreams just like I am in the Olympics. 

“There were many challenges like injuries and trying to manage your body; playing on the series was demanding but I’m glad that I was 100% before the Olympics. 

Motu debuted for Samoa sevens in 2021 and represented Samoa at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens where they finished eighth. 

He was also part of the Samoan Sevens side which finished fifth at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.  

Samoa also lost their second pool match to Argentina, 28-12.  

They will play their final pool match against Kenya today (25 July) at 2:00pm (France time).  

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