Apelu Maliko returns for Samoa Sevens

Apia, Samoa – 07 November 2023: Samoa’s Sevens rare talent, Vaafauese Apelu Maliko who picked up 3 awards at the completion of the 2022-2023 World Rugby Sevens is returning to the Manu Samoa sevens squad for the upcoming Oceania Sevens Championship 2023 on 10th – 12th November 2023 at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane Australia.

The Gilbert Top Try Scorer and Impact Player of the last Sevens season, Maliko is named in Head Coach Muliagatele Brian Lima’s squad announced yesterday. He has since played for professionally for Stade Aurilacois in France and is reported to be allowed under his contract to still be available for Samoa.

Manu Samoa 7s squad:
1. Vaovasa AFA SU’A (C), Tama Uli Salelologa, Salelavalu & Salelologa
2. Paul Eti ALESANA – SLATER (VC) – Laulii Lions, Lalomalava
3. Paul SCANLAN (VC) – Moataa & Lano
4. Motu OPETAI – Siumu, & Leauvaa
5. Levi MILFORD – Marist St. Joseph’s, Lotofaga & Falelatai
6. Taunuu NIULEVAEA – Safotu, Fasitoo Tai & Vailuutai
7. BJ LIMA – Marist St. Joseph’s, Letogo & Sapunaoa Falealili
8. Elisapeta ALOFIPO – Tama Uli Salelologa, Saleaula & Salelologa
9. Taitaifono SENIO TAVITA – Apia Maroons, Levi Saleimoa & Safotu
10. Faamaoni Jr LALOMILO – Marist St. Joseph’s Falefa & Safotu
11. Faafoi FALANIKO – Tepatasi, Lotopue & Salelesi
12. Pelasio SAMUELU NIUULA – Tepatasi, Vailoa Aleipata & Lotopue
13. Malakesi MASEFAU – Tepatasi, Malaela & Lotopue
14. Vaafauese APELU MALIKO – Tepatasi, Lufilufi & Lotopue

Management
1. Muliagatele Brian LIMA, Head Coach – Letogo, Afega & Avao
2. Tausa Faamoe Faamaoni LALOMILO, Assistant Coach – Safotu, Falefa, Leusoalii & Sinamoga
3. Tuala Leaega Pat LEOTA, Team Manager – Leauvaa, Lotofaga, Faleula, Gautavai & Sili
4. Junior NARAYAN, Analyst – Poutasi Falealili, Vaivase, Sinamoga
5. Philippa MASOE, Team Physiotherapist – Faatoia, Asau & Saleimoa