Payne Haas has officially committed to representing Samoa on the international rugby stage rather than Australia, a decision that fills him with immense pride for his heritage. His debut for the Samoan team has sparked considerable excitement within the rugby community, drawing attention to the international scene. Haas expressed the honor of playing in front of over 40,000 fans, describing the experience as “something special.” The emotional ties to his family and culture greatly influenced this milestone in his career.
“It means the world to play for Samoa,” Haas shared, reflecting on his childhood dreams and the exhilaration of achieving a victory while donning Samoan colors. He highlighted the joy his family, especially his daughter and brothers, experienced during this significant moment, emphasizing how embracing their culture enriches the overall experience.
In their recent match against Tonga, Samoa earned a resounding 34-6 victory at Suncorp Stadium, marking their first international win in seven outings. Haas was instrumental in the team’s success, while the leadership of co-captains Junior Paulo and Jarome Luai proved crucial, particularly during a challenging 95-minute lightning delay. Haas praised Luai’s calming presence, noting that his prior experience in State of Origin significantly benefited the team’s focus.
This victory follows a tough loss to New Zealand, which Haas viewed as a valuable learning opportunity. “We took a lot of learnings out of last week,” he stated, underscoring the team’s resolve to improve and aspire for greater success. With the Pacific Championships Cup on the horizon, Haas confirmed, “We’re off to the final now and we want to be great again,” highlighting Samoa’s determination to build on their current momentum.
Looking ahead, Samoa is set to face another critical match on November 9 against either Tonga or New Zealand at CommBank Stadium. The atmosphere among both players and supporters is charged with anticipation, creating an optimistic outlook for the team’s future in international rugby. With steadfast leadership and a newfound confidence, Samoa appears ready to make significant strides in upcoming tournaments.