On Saturday 11 July 1998 two women’s teams played the curtain raiser to the Manu Samoa versus New Zealand A match at Apia Park. The two teams-National University of Samoa and Samoa Polytechnic became the first to officially play a women’s rugby match in Samoa. Essentially giving birth to Women’s rugby in Samoa and its national team: the Manusinalesoa.

In the space of two months the Samoa Women’s Rugby Union (SWRU) was formed. Members of the executive were: Dawn Rasmussen (president) Fauolegogo Tanielu (vice president) Susan Faoagali (secretary) Alataua Tuliaupupu (treasurer) Moana Lima (Letogo) Katie Bentin Aimaasu (Lupe o le Soaga) Vitoria Crichton Faamaoni (Falefa) . With the establishment of the union the naming of the national team was registered as Manusinalesoa, shortened to Manusina. 

The inaugural women’s competition was held amid the Apia King of Rugby’s competition held during the Teuila festival (September). Seven women’s teams were confirmed Samoa Polytechnic, The National University of Samoa, Apia, Vaiala Ulalei, Letogo, Lupe o le Soaga and the Safua team from Savaii later known as SWIRT2000 (Savaii Women’s Inaugural Rugby Team 2000). 

In 1999 a club competition took place under the Apia Rugby Union, Winner of the Championship cup was Letogo with Vaiala Ulalei winning the Lee Memorial Plate NUS was winner of the Round Robin competition.