Manu Samoa 32 man Squad Announced for July Test Series

Tuanaimato,15 June 2024 – Lakapi Samoa has announced the first Manu Samoa Squad for 2024, ahead of the upcoming July Test Series. Manu Samoa Head Coach, Mase Mahonri Schwalger, looks forward to fielding his first squad since assuming the top role this year.

The July Test matches will be held at Apia Park, with Manu Samoa facing Italy on July 5 and Spain on July 13. These tests will also serve as the kickoff for preparations for the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup in August.

“Congratulations to Head Coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger, our Team of Selectors, and our Coaching Team for their first selection of Manu Samoa for 2024. In the July Test Series, we are excited to welcome back, Italy and Spain, to Samoa. We look forward to seeing our Manu Samoa play its first test at Apia Park,” said Lakapi Samoa Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai.

A first squad for new Manu Samoa Head Coach, Mase Mahonri Schwalger. “I’m excited about the task ahead and assembling our first squad to play our initial two tests at home. These matches will provide valuable insights into our future strategies. Hosting Italy, one of the top Tier 1 nations in the world, is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and bring rugby back to our people.”

Manu Samoa Squad – July Test Series 2024 with Player’s Villages and Club
1. Lolani FALEIVA – Vaitele-uta & Tiavea-tai, Hawkes Bay, NZ
2. Marco FEPULEAI – Matautu-uta & Alamagoto Colomiers Rugby, France
3. Tietie TUIMAUGA – Faala, Palauli & Fagafau Montullan RC, France
4. Kalolo TUILOMA – Sapunaoa & Lalovaea Gordon Highlander, Australia
5. Aki SEIULI – Pata, Falelatai & Sapunaoa Dragons, Wales
6. Sama MALOLO – Vaisala & Matautu-uta Moana Pasifika, NZ
7. Andrew TUALA – Sapapalii & Savaia, Lefaga Houston SaberCats, USA
8. JP SAUNI – Moataa & Vailele Endeavour Hills Rugby, Australia
9. Michael CURRY – Faatoia & Taufusi Moana Pasifika, NZ
10 . Samuel SLADE – Sapunaoa & Vailoa, Palauli Moana Pasifika, NZ
11. Senio TOLEAFOA – Fasitoo-tai & Nofoalii USON Nevers Rugby, France
12. Benjamin Petaia NEE-NEE – Lalomanu & Malifa Kamashi, Japan
13. Theodore MCFARLAND – Moamoa & Salelologa Saracens, England
14. Murphy TARAMAI – Saoluafata & Toamua Shimizu Blue Sharks, Japan
15. Izaiha MOORE-AIONO – Lepale, Fasitoo-uta & Vaiala Northampton Saints, England
16. Olajuwon NOA – Vaiusu & Safotu Nola Gold, USA
17. Iakopo MAPU – Faleula & Vaitele-fou Hawkes Bay, NZ
18. Fred TUILAGI – Saleufi & Fatausi Marist St. Joseph’s, Samoa
19. Melani MATAVAO – Fasitoo-uta & Laulii Moana Pasifika, NZ
20. Jonathan TAUMATEINE – Nofoalii & Satapuala Moana Pasifika, NZ
21. Ereatara ENARI – Nofoalii & Vaiala Moana Pasifika, NZ
22. Afa MOLELI – Savaia, Lefaga & Sagone Auckland University, NZ
23. D’Angelo LEUILA – Gataivai & Fagalii Moana Pasifika, NZ
24. Duncan PAIA’UA – Mutiatele & Satupaitea Toulon, France
25. Danny TOALA – Faleasiu & Lotofaga Moana Pasifika, NZ
26. Stacey ILI – Satapuala & Fasitoo-uta Hawkes Bay, NZ
27. Sebastian VISINIA – Afega & Lufilufi Counties Manukau, NZ
28. Alapati LEIUA – Malie & Patamea Shizuoka Blue Revs, Japan
29. Pisi LEILUA – Safa’atoa, Lefaga & Siusega Northland, NZ
30. Nigel AH WONG – Alafua & Vaiusu Moana Pasifika, NZ
31. Owen NIUE FETU – Taga & Gataivai – Laumua o Tumua Afega, Samoa
32. Tomasi ALOSIO – Levi, Saleimoa & Falefa, Anthem Rugby Carolina, USA

PLAYERS NOT CONSIDERED DUE TO INJURIES | UNAVAILABILITY
1. Jordan Lay
2. James Lay
3. Donald Brighouse
4. Suetena Asomua
5. Miracle Failagi
6. Taleni Seu
7. Rodney Yona
8. Jacob Umaga
9. Tumua Manu
10. Henry Taefu
11. Neria Fomai
12. Pepesana Patafilo