‍Elizabeth Osifelo/PACNEWS

Arriving with eyes wide open, they knew the challenges that awaited them on the world's biggest sporting stage – Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Coach Muliagatele Fata Brian Lima acknowledged that despite losing to Kenya in their final match, the Samoan team has embraced their Olympic experience.

"This is our first time qualifying for the Olympics, and next time, more preparation and high-performance training will be necessary," Coach Lima said.

Reflecting on their first game, he stressed the importance of both physical and mental preparation, noting that missed opportunities and simple mistakes cost them dearly.

Coach Lima expressed satisfaction with the team's effort, stating, "It's been a good tournament for us as new entrants, especially compared to Fiji, who have consistently proven to be the best."

He highlighted the key takeaway from the tournament: understanding what to expect and moving forward with a positive mindset.

After Samoa's final match, he emphasized the need for more support, saying, "Rugby Sevens in the Pacific has proven to stand out, and therefore, much emphasis is needed to improve this code of Rugby."

Looking ahead, Coach Lima said, "Samoa must focus on development and securing more resources to win medals in the future. Overall, I am happy with our performance."