The Manu Samoa Sevens are ready for today’s Las Vegas Sevens tournament after the team played a starring role in the tournament’s opening parade overnight.

Superbly led by a chiseled warrior sporting the traditional Samoan tatau, he was followed by Sir Gordon Tietjens, captain Tila Mealoi and the rest of the squad who waved and posed for photos with the Vegas crowd.

The colourful “Parade of Nations” was held at Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas.

Fans saw their favorite men’s and women’s rugby stars walk down the red carpet to officially kick off the games.

Samoa’s first games are this afternoon against the host nation, U.S.A. and Spain.

Our photographer in Las Vegas, James Atoa, captured the moment in these pictures: