The Manu Samoa 7s team brought their trademark energy, flair, and determination to the HSBC SVNS 2025 Playoff tournament in Los Angeles, fighting for their place among the world’s elite rugby nations. While their physicality and skill were on full display at Dignity Health Sports Park, what many didn’t see behind the scenes was the critical support system keeping these athletes performing at their best.
See Matches and Results of HSBC SVNS 2025 LA
Manu Samoa Crucial Campaign in LA
Following a strong run in the Challenger Series, where Samoa knocked off Canada in a clinical 28-4 semifinal win in Krakow, they earned their spot in the all-important promotion-relegation playoff in Los Angeles. It was a high-stakes weekend with only the top four teams earning a place in the core SVNS series for next season.
Although Manu Samoa fell short of reclaiming a full-time spot, their campaign showed glimpses of the world-class sevens team they are known to be. Speedster Steve Onosai and powerhouse Meki Fatafehi stood out, but the collective resilience defined the group.
Samoa concluded their tournament with a 19–10 win over South Africa in the 9th/10th place playoff semifinal—a strong finish that demonstrated their grit and refusal to go quietly. While the result wasn’t enough to secure a core spot, it was a proud moment that capped off their campaign with purpose.
Pillar Sports: Behind the Scenes, On the Frontlines
In elite sevens rugby, physical recovery, injury prevention, and tape support are non-negotiable. This is where Pillar Sports’ partnership with Lakapi Samoa has been a game-changer. The collaboration, launched in early 2024, is part of Samoa Rugby’s High-Performance program, ensuring athletes have access to world-class medical tape and support gear.
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During LA 7s, Pillar Sports’ rigid tapes, elastic adhesive bandages, and kinesiology tapes were essential in strapping up key players, preventing minor injuries from escalating and allowing players to stay #strappedandready for each high-pressure match.
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From ankle support for explosive step-offs to shoulder strapping that allowed contact-heavy forwards to stay in the game, Pillar Sports ensured peak performance met peak protection.
Samoa’s Legacy, Rebuilding with Strength
While the scoreboard in LA didn’t reflect their full potential, Manu Samoa 7s walk away with heads held high and eyes fixed firmly on the future. With a dedicated team of coaches, support staff, and now backed by a high-performance partner like Pillar Sports, they are rebuilding with resilience and smart preparation.

Final Whistle
Pillar Sports is proud to support Manu Samoa 7s—not just during tournaments like the LA 7s, but in their broader mission to perform, protect, and inspire. The LA 7s campaign may have ended, but the journey continues, and Pillar Sports will be there every step (and every strap) of the way.
Fa’amalosi Manu Samoa!