Manuma Samoa, a Pathway to Higher Honours for Locals

The importance of Samoa’s National A team, Manuma Samoa cannot be underestimated. Originally founded as Kagifa Samoa in 2019 for the Global Competition, the team now plays a special role in Lakapi Samoa’s development strategy as the team which provides a pathway for local players to secure opportunities to play overseas and represent Manu Samoa. The players involved are on the fringe of higher honours, and Manuma is the platform for these players to showcase their talents. Manuma has been a stepping-stone for many Samoan players. For those players who get the call up to the World Rugby Combines, the lucky few will get the chance to secure contracts which can be lifechanging for these players’ careers and their families.

This year, Lakapi Samoa hosted the World Rugby Pacific Challenge in Apia and Manuma Samoa finished runner up to the winners, Fiji Warriors, defeating Junior Japan 44-33 and Tonga A, 69-7. Manuma were competitive against Fiji Warriors taking the lead just after halftime, but the Fijians finished strongly taking out the game 50-25. Current Manu Samoa 15s and sevens international Melani Matavao and Junior Seuteni Alivaa were the standouts for the Manuma Samoa.

Manuma Samoa is led by Leiataualesa Saumani Afaese Hanipale, who hails from the villages of Manono, Satupaitea, Asau, Sailele and has been head coach since 2022. Leiataualesa remarked there are a lot of challenges coaching the team, especially not having regular competition to allow the players time to develop.