The American Samoa Rugby Union is reaching out to the community for financial assistance to help ease the burden in sending a team to the Hong Kong Sevens in March.
Speaking on state-run television, the union's chairman, Togiola Tulafono, said some of the expenses for the tournament will be paid by the International Rugby Board but there are also other costs to deal with.
The former governor urged the community to support the team by donating to a telethon set for February the 14th.
"We picked that day because it's Valentine's Day. It's a day where we show our love for each other so we ask American Samoa to show your love for our rugby team, the Talevalu rugby sevens, and to show our support for their efforts as they travel to Hong Kong to represent all of us."
American Samoa qualified for Hong Kong after placing fifth at the Oceania Sevens Championship in Fiji last year.
