Manu Samoa Squad Announced for RWC

As the Rugby World Cup for 2023 inches closer, Seilala Mapusua and the Manu Samoa management team have announced their 32-man squad to represent Samoa. With one additional player still to be named, Moana Pasifika are pleased to announce that ten of their players have been selected.

After a promising series of tests against Japan, Fiji and Tonga, the Manu Samoa have two more games remaining against two formidable sides in Ireland and the Barbarians.  These two additional tests will be another great opportunity for the Manu to form combinations on the field, as they prepare for a World Cup Pool that consists of Argentina, England, Japan and Chile. 

Moana Pasifika’s ten representatives for Manu Samoa at this year’s Rugby World Cup in France are as follows:

Luteru Tolai

• Hooker.
• Gagaifo Lefaga.
• St Peter’s College, Ponsony Ponies, Northcote Rugby, North Harbour NPC.
• 19 Caps- Moana Pasifika. 3 Caps – Manu Samoa.

Samuel Slade

• Lock, Flanker.
• Sapunaoa, Vailoa Palauli
• Mt Albert Grammar, Ponsonby Ponies, Pukekohe Premiers, Counties Manukau NPC.
• 15 Caps – Moana Pasifika. 4 Caps – Manu Samoa.

Miracle Faiilagi

• Flanker
• Vailele, Uafato. 
• Leifiifi College, Vailele Rugby Club, Laulii Lions, Tasman NPC.
• 12 Caps – Moana Pasifika. 2 Caps – Manu Samoa.

Alamanda Motuga

• Flanker
• Satoa, Sa’anapu.
• Manurewa High School, Manurewa Rugby Club, Ardmore Marist Premiers, Counties Manukau. NPC.
• 17 Caps- Moana Pasifika. 5 Caps – Manu Samoa.

Ereatara Enari

• Halfback
• Nofoali’i, Vaiala.
• St Kentigern College, Lincoln University, Linwood Bulls, Hawkes Bay Magpies NPC.
• 24 Caps- Moana Pasifika. 6 Caps – Manu Samoa. 

Jonathan Taumateine

• Halfback
• Nofoali’i, Satapuala
• Wesley College, Manurewa Rugby Club, Ardmore Marist Premiers, Counties Manukau NPC.
• 17 Caps- Moana Pasifika. 10 Caps – Manu Samoa.

Christian Lealiifano

• First-Five
• Magiagi, Letogo, Le’auva’a.
• Peter Lalor Secondary College, Northcote Panthers, Tuggeranong Vikings, Waikato NPC.
• 20 Caps- Moana Pasifika. 3 Caps – Manu Samoa. 26 Caps – Australia.

D’Angelo Leuila

• Utility Back
• Gataivai, Fagali’i.
• Papatoetoe High School, Papatoetoe Rugby Club, Fraser Tech, Waikato NPC.
• 6 Caps – Moana Pasifika. 19 Caps – Manu Samoa.

Neria Foma’i

• Winger
• Magiagi, Lepuia’i Manono-tai.
• Hastings Boys’ High, Hastings Rugby, Hawke’s Bay.
• 12 Caps – Manu Samoa. 7 Caps – Manu Samoa.

Danny Toala

• Utility Back
• Faleasi’u, Lotofaga.
• Hastings Boys’ High, Hastings Rugby, Hawke’s Bay.
• 18 Caps- Moana Pasifika. 8 Caps – Manu Samoa.

Manu Samoa Full Squad.

• Nigel Ah Wong
• Michale Alaalatoa (Co-Captain)
• Brian Alainu’u’ese
• Paul Alo-Emile
• Ereatara Enari
• So’otala Fa’aso’o
• Miracle Faiilagi
• Charlie Faumuina
• Ed Fidow
• Neria Foma’i
• Ben Lam
• Seilala Lam
• Jordan Lay
• Christian Lealiifano
• Fritz Lee
• Alai D’Angelo Leuila
• Steven Luatua
• Sama Malolo
• Tumua Manu
• Melani Matavao
• Theodore McFarland
• Alamanda Motuga
• Duncan Paia’aua
• Taleni Seu
• Ulupano Junior Seuteni
• Samuel Slade
• Lima Sopoaga
• Sa Jordan Taufua
• Jonathan Taumateine
• Danny Toala
• Luteru Tolai
• Chris Vui (Co-Captain)

*One additional player to be confirmed.

Manu Samoa Coaching Staff

Manu Samoa Head Coach – Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua

Scrum Coach – Mase Mahonri Schwalger

Forwards Coach – Toaigaotumua Tom Coventry

Defence Coach – Fa’alogo Tana Umaga

Attack Coach – Andrew Goodman

Backs & Skills Coach – Lemalu Tusi Pisi

ENDS

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