Parish proud of legacy after standing down as Samoa coach
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After leading Toa Samoa to last year’s historic World Cup final, Matt Parish has decided to step down to allow a new coach to begin preparing the Pacific nation for the 2026 tournament.
Parish, who was ordained as a Samoan chief in an emotional ceremony last December witnessed by many of his players and their families, advised the new Rugby League Samoa executive of his decision after a decade in the role.
Having taken charge of Samoa in 2013, Parish was the longest serving international coach at last year’s World Cup and has made a significant contribution to the rise of the Pacific nations.
He also had charge of Samoa at the 2013 and 2017 World Cups, as well as the 2014 Four Nations tournament, and oversaw numerous Pacific Test victories.
Undoubtedly Parish’s greatest achievement was last November’s final against Australia.
Samoa’s semi-final triumph against England to become the first Pacific nation to qualify for a World Cup final sparked celebrations around the globe, with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Tim Cahill among those to publicly get behind the team.
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“It has been an incredible journey filled with triumphs, unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships but I believe it’s the right time to stand aside and give someone else the opportunity to take the lead,” Parish said.
“I am extremely grateful and honoured to have been part of this wonderful team and proud of the progress we have made and the positive impact that our players had on all Samoans around the world.
“I also want to express my deepest gratitude to all the dedicated and loyal players and staff that I have been fortunate enough to work with and thank them for their unwavering support and commitment.
I am confident that the team will continue to thrive under new leadership and achieve even greater success in the future.
“I am forever humbled and thankful to all the faithful Samoans throughout the world who inspired our great team to success and thank you all for allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey.”
Parish was recognised for his role in helping to put Samoa on the sporting map when he had the chiefly title ‘Mau a Pule’ bestowed upon him during the team’s ‘homecoming’ celebrations last December.
‘Mau a Pule’ is of great historic significance as it was the name of Samoa’s independence movement.
Rugby League Samoa Executive President, Ponifasio Vasa, paid tribute to Parish for his long-term commitment and historic achievements.
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“We duly acknowledge the accolades that Mau a Pule Matt Parish has achieved for Toa Samoa as head coach,” Vasa said.
“His invaluable service, loyalty, effort, sacrifices and commitment to Toa Samoa has spoken volumes of the systems Matt has instigated and we sincerely thank him for his selfless service to Rugby League Samoa.”
Vasa also lauded Parish’s efforts in raising the profile and development of rugby league for Pacific nations.
“Matt’s vocal persistence on equity in international rugby league brought about changes to policies that favourably enhanced the development of the game for all Pacific nations.
“He has undoubtedly silenced those unforgiving critics while faithfully serving in this role and we are most grateful to Matt for embracing the Samoan culture that bonded the team and connected the players to its heritage and Fa’asamoa.”
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Vasa personally thanked Parish for his contribution to Samoa and rugby league.
“You played a key and influential role in last year’s historic Rugby League World Cup success where this momentous occasion will be remembered for generations and etched in the history of sports for Samoa," he said .
“Mau a Pule, you have been a blessing to Samoa, and we say thank you. You will always remain an integral part of the Toa Samoa family and we look forward to continuing this relationship in developing the game in Samoa.”
International fixtures for Samoa and other Pacific nations at the end of the season are set to be announced and a new coach will be appointed as the team builds to the 2026 World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere.
