All our Manu Samoa teams will be objects of envy with the introduction of their new kits courtesy of new supplier, L.E Sportswear. The partnership as well as the supply agreement was announced last night at Orator Hotel with all current sponsors present. L.E Sportswear Director, Kris Pillay, attended the official launch of the partnership, bringing with him S.R.U.’s brand new uniforms. This agreement will mean that L.E. Sportswear promises to supply all of the specified goods or services that S.R.U needs over a 4 year period.“Today marks a milestone for S.R.U. and I am delighted on this occasion to introduce LE Sportswear , Supplier to S.R.U. for the next 4 years,” Honorable Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said during his speech.
“I wish to acknowledge Mr. Kris Pillay, the Managing Director of L.E Sportswear . I welcome you and your team to Samoa and wish to thank you for the confidence and support entrusted to invest in a partnership with S.R.U. for the next 4 years and beyond.”
Despite some recent downfalls for S.R.U., L.E. sportswear displayed much faith in the team through the partnership.
“S.R.U. over the last 12 months has gone through significant reforms to all areas of the organization to better position itself to attract sponsorship which has been hard to come by,” the P.M. said.
“One of the key areas of focus has been the financial viability of the union in exploring opportunities, the overseas entities who are willing to work and help us grow the Manu Samoa brand where it rightly sits around the globe.
“For too long, our Manu Samoa brand has been externally denied benefitting from past commercial entities, individuals and corporal apparel companies with minimal and at most times no return to S.R.U. for the global exposure including sales of S.R.U. merchandise.”
The L.E. brand has developed a reputation as being one of the fastest and innovative apparel brands in the last 2 years.
“L.E. Sportswear is branded by innovation through the utilization of resources and technology to manufacture clothing with the aim of promoting sporting excellence,” the P.M. said.
“The L.E. brand is now prominent throughout the South Pacific including countries like Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Solomon Islands and Fiji.
“I want to convey to you Mr. Pillay and L.E. Apparel that our Manu Samoa brand is much loved and recognized around the international arena.”
According to the P.M., the mutual benefits to both parties are extensive.
“Our partnership is a great opportunity to expose your brand internationally to other markets beyond the Pacific region through all World Rugby Tournaments such as the H.B.S.C. 7’s series in Asia, America and Europe,” he said.
“I hope that this will be a catalyst in our partnership to earn much needed revenue in merchandising for L.E. and S.R.U.
“This cannot come without a relationship built on mutual trust and being transparent.”
The P.M. continued on to say that the S.R.U. will ensure everyone works hard for better results.
“S.R.U. will continue to play its role in focusing on developing and producing winning teams and improve our ranking results on the field,” he said.
“I wish to congratulate L.E. Sportswear and I’m confident that with S.R.U. you will foster a long term relationship for our mutual benefit.
“I just hope that these new uniforms will come with a Cup from our upcoming tournaments.”
For Mr. Pillay, this partnership is the first of its kind for his company and has countless benefits for all.
“This partnership is L.E. Sportswear’s first step into the international rugby union market and it is a great privilege for us to partner up with S.R.U.,” he said. “This is the first part to our expansion into the International Rugby Market, with a aim to have on board more international teams in the coming future. Our quality and reputation will mean LE Sportswear will continue to grow as a leading high performance Sportswear brand”