Message re the Samoa U19 team:

My name is Martin McNeely and I have been acting as the Chaplain to the U19 Samoan squad while they have been training in the town of Holywood where I am a Pastor in the Presbyterian Church.

I noticed in their team room at the hotel messages of support from home. I thought it would be appropriate to return a message to you back in Samoa.

Your team have been a credit to Samoa. In their commitment to the game, their manner off the pitch and their freindly nature, they have won many, many freinds over here in Ireland. Their singing and dancing has been especially popular wherever they have gone. They have been true representatives of your country. My church (where they sang) deeply appreciate the interest shown to one particular family of Samoan boys who belong to us and were treated with great kindness by the squad.

For me as their pastor, I must say how deeply impressed by their humility I was. Win or defeat, the boys walked off the pitch with the same smile and warm nature. It was a privilege to share the Word of God with them and pray for them and their families. I shall never forget them singing a hymn of praise and the tears that flowed following their final victory against Argentina. It was a very special moment. I know I am not the only person who is upset to see the boys return (it was hard to fight back the tears for some of us) - though am happy that they will be with you at home this week.

Next year I hope to travel to Wales for the U20 tournament and support the boys. Mean time, my family and I will start to save up some money for a long term trip to NZ and Samoa in a few years time.

With every blessing to the team and many thanks for the privilege of sharing with Sami and the boys.

Yours in rugby
Marty McNeely
Belfast NI