A parade along Marine Parade in Napier on Saturday ahead of the big match-up. Photo / Supplied
A parade along Marine Parade in Napier on Saturday ahead of the big match-up. Photo / Supplied
The Samoan community in Hawke's Bay has taken to the streets to celebrate one of the greatest upsets in Rugby League World Cup history - with celebrations expected to continue into the week.
Hawke's Bay has a large Samoan population and it came out in big numbers over the weekend,with parades and gatherings staged in Napier and Hastings.
The Samoan men's team defeated England 27-26 during the early hours of Sunday morning (NZT) in their semi-final match-up at the World Cup, held in England.
It is the first time an island nation has reached the final of a Rugby League World Cup.
A big gathering of Samoan fans met in Hastings on Saturday night to show their support. Photo / Supplied
Marine Parade in Napier had a big convoy of vehicles and flags waving on Saturday evening - prior to the match - while Hastings also came alive with Samoan fans.
The celebrations continued on Sunday afternoon and evening, with a big event organised at Flaxmere Park.
Havelock North resident Tiitii Tuliaupupu, originally from Samoa, said it was amazing to see all the support.
Crowds party in a Hastings car park on Saturday night, ahead of the big game. Photo / Jay Peivi
"We woke up the neighbours early this morning from the loud cheers, but hey, this is how we are - we gotta shout our hearts out for our boys."
He said the celebrations took a break on Sunday morning, with many in the Samoan community prioritising church.
Hawke's Bay has a large Samoan population which was out in force over the weekend. Photo / Supplied
"We had a little celebration [on Sunday morning in Hastings], but not everyone turned up because its a Sunday and most of us go to church or prep up the To'ana'i - it's quite a sacred day to us."
Samoa will head to Old Trafford to face Australia in the final next weekend.
