Sports
Former All Black named in Manu Samoa touring squad
By Talaia Mika
APIA, SAMOA – 05 OCTOBER 2022: Former All Black Steven Luatua is among eight debutants named in the Manu Samoa Northern Hemisphere touring squad announced in Apia this afternoon.
It is the first Northern Hemisphere Tour for a Samoan side since 2019 and since Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua took over as Head Coach.
The tour features three Test matches against Italy on November 5 in Padua, Georgia on November 12 in Tbilisi, and Romania on November 19 in Bucharest.
Vaovasamanaia is looking forward to using the tour as part of the build-up to the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France on the back of winning the 2022 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji this past July.
“The Northern Hemisphere tour will provide plenty of challenges with three very tough test matches against quality opponents. We will look to build on the success of the Pacific Nations Cup win and keep developing how we want to play, whilst also having a good look at our talent pool for our RWC2023 team selection,” said Vaovasamanaia.
“We do not have many test matches to prepare for rugby’s pinnacle event so we are maximising on every opportunity that presents itself.”
There is a balanced mix of young and experienced players with two local players rewarded for their strong performances in local competitions. The majority of the team are northern based, and includes eight uncapped players making their debut for Samoa including Steven Luatua who is eligible under the recent change in World Rugby eligibility rules.
Manu Samoa Head Coach, Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua
With only six tests this year, the team looks to further build on the given matches.
“We are excited to be going on a what will be a difficult tour, especially after the disruptions and challenges over the past two years. This has been the most difficult team to select with the quality of players available. We are building some quality depth and I look forward to working with this group, Vaovasamanaia said.”
“I am thrilled for the opportunity for our Manu Samoa to end what has been a good yet tough year on a high. And as always, we appreciate all the support and encouragement from our people and supporters both here in Samoa and around the world,” he added.
The team is:
- Afaesetiti AMOSA Vailele, Fasitoo-tai
- Alapati LEIUA Malie, Patamea
- Brian ALAINUUESE * Satupaitea, Satuiatua
- Chris VUI Foailuga, Saasaai
- D’Angelo LEUILA Gataivai, Fagalii
- Danny TOALA Lotofaga, Faleasiu
- Des SEPULONA * Tuanai, Faleula
- Donald BRIGHOUSE Falelatai, Saleimoa
- Duncan PAIA’AUA * Satupaitea, Mutiatele
- Ereatara ENARI Vaiala, Nofoalii
- Fritz LEE Solosolo, Vailele
- Jeff TOOMAGA -ALLEN * Falelatai, Lefaga
- Joe PEREZ Vaigaga, Saleaula
- Jonathan TAUMATEINE Nofoalii, Satapuala
- Jordan LAY Safotu, Sasina
- Luteru TOLAI * Lefaga
- Manu LEIATAUA Manono, Safune
- Michael ALAALATOA (C) Fasitoo-uta, Matatufu
- Nephi LEATIGAGA Salelologa, Siumu
- Nigel AH WONG Alafua Vaiusu
- Rodney IONA Falelatai, Iva
- Sa Jordan TAUFUA Salailua, Neiafu
- Seilala LAM Malie, Gataivai
- Stacey ILI Fasitoo-uta, Satapuala
- Steven LUATUA * Saleimoa, Malie
- Talalelei GRAY * Saleufi, Vailoa
- Taleni SEU * Solosolo, Eva
- Theo MCFARLAND Moamoa, Salelologa
- Tomasi ALOSIO Saleimoa, Falefa
- Tumua MANU Afega, Sasina
- Ulupano Junior SEUTENI Samusu, Malie
Head Coach: Vaovasamanaia Seilala MAPUSUA
* Denotes New Caps
Manu Samoa Northern Hemisphere Tour 2022 – Schedule
5 Nov Manu Samoa vs Italy Padua, Italy
12 Nov Manu Samoa vs Georgia Tbilisi, Georgia
19 Nov Manu Samoa vs Romania Bucharest, Romania