Samoa's deaf rugby team has beaten the visiting Australian team 20-19 in the country's first ever rugby match for deaf players.
The game was used to promote awareness for people with disability and to kick-start Samoa's preparations for next year's deaf rugby World Cup in Australia.
Samoa coach and deaf instructor Petaia Iamafana says the game was a massive opportunity for the players.
"It helps our deaf community here build their confidence, be more involved and be able to compete in the same level of competitions as everyone else and hopefully to open up more opportunities for them in the future because, at the moment, deaf people here are more in homes and doing all the chores at home. This is an eye-opener for their future and their raw talent in rugby and any other sport".
Samoa and Australia play the first ever deaf rugby match in Samoa. Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
