Wellington: Samoans have been granted a half-day holiday next Wednesday to mark the historic first home rugby test against New Zealand at Apia.
Prime minister Tuilaepa Sa’lele Malielegaoi, who is also chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, declared the holiday on Friday, saying “we have to have a half day. It’s a day where everyone should prepare to support the boys.”
Samoans have been clamoring for their government to declare a full national holiday on Wednesday, to ensure as many people as possible can be freed from work or school watch the game which kicks off at 3pm.
Only 8,000 fans will be able to fit into Apia Park in the Samoan capital but many more will watch on big screens in front of the government buildings in central Apia.
