THE Samoan World Cup rugby league team had a very special welcome to Warrington when the town’s Mayor Cllr Peter Carey, held a civic reception at the town hall to officially welcome the 24-man squad and their delegates to the town.
The team are preparing for their first Rugby League World Cup match against New Zealand this Sunday (October 27) at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.
Over 100 guests attended the reception including chair of the local RLWC2013 consortium Jan Souness and the leader of the council, Cllr Terry O’Neill.
The Mayor Cllr Peter Carey, said: “I was delighted to welcome the Samoan team to Warrington and I thoroughly hope they enjoy their time here. I wish them the best of luck for Sunday. I hope all of the Wolves fans and the people of Warrington get fully behind the Samoan team and give them their full support.”
Chair of the town’s RL steering group Jan Souness said: “It was fantastic to welcome the team ahead of Sunday’s game. We know local people will give them a warm welcome too and we are thrilled that so many residents have embraced world cup fever and have bought tickets to the game. Over 10,000 tickets have been sold so if you haven’t got yours yet, make sure you get them soon!”
As well as playing in the tournament, whilst in Warrington the Samoans will be attending various events and community celebrations.
Warrington will also host a Quarter-Final game on Sunday, November 17.
For more information about the RLWC2013 in Warrington visit www.warrington.gov.uk/rugby and buy tickets now at www.rlwc2013.com/tickets
Picture: L-R – The leader of the council, Cllr Terry O’Neill; The Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Peter Carey; captain of the Samoan team, Harrison Hansen; President of Samoa Rugby League, Tagaloa Faafouina; and former rugby player and manager Alex Murphy. 
The Samoa RL President, Tagaloa Faafouina, pictured left, presented The Mayor of Warrington, pictured centre, with ceremonial gifts including a wooden bowl called a tanoa. On the right is Samoan team captain Harrison Hansen.
