Manu Samoa 7s named for Sol2023 Pacific Games

21 November 2023: Lakapi Samoa and SASNOC have officially announced the 12 member Team Samoa Men’s Sevens squad for the Pacific Games 2023 now in progress in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Leading the team is Head Coach Afa Aiono, a former Manu Samoa and Manu Samoa 7s player who has transitioned to coaching. Assisting him are Fuimaono Soi Lalovi as Team Manager and Apollos Paramore, serving as the physiotherapist.

The squad includes 10 debutants donning the Manu Samoa 7s jersey for the first time, with seasoned campaigners Uaina Sione and Fuli Faafouina returning to compete for a spot in the Manu Samoa 7s for the World Sevens Series.

Lakapi Samoa’s strategic decision to feature a young squad involves providing exposure to young talents at this competitive level.

Meanwhile, the Manu Samoa 7s players and Management who recently participated in the Olympics Qualifier and Oceania Sevens Championship are currently en route to New Zealand for a one-week camp before embarking on the first two legs of the SVNS World Sevens Series scheduled to commence on December 1st – 3rd, 2023, in Dubai followed by Cape Town on the 9th – 10th December 2023.

The Pacific Games 2023 Rugby 7s tournament kicks off on November 23rd and concludes on November 25th at the National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Samoa finds itself in Pool B alongside Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Having secured Silver in the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, losing to Fiji, the Manu Samoa 7s team is optimistic about achieving a better outcome this year.

The squad
1. Fuli Faafouina ( Captain) – Vaiala
2. Paulo Wallwork-Tuala – Vaiala
3. Junior Maalo – Uso Satalo
4. Reupena Filimaua – Apia Maroons
5. George Feagai – Tepatasi
6. Ravuama Seruvakula – Marist St. Josephs
7. Panaua Niulevaea – Safotu
8. Monson Taefu – Uso Satalo
9. Enosa Auvaa Ate – Tamauli Salelologa
10. Tom Maiava – Marist St. Josephs
11. Dan Patelesio – Marist St. Josephs
12. Uaina Sione (Vice Captain) – Tamauli Salelologa