Theodore McFarland named Manu Samoa captain

Staff Writers/

Apia, SAMOA – 02 July 2024 – One of the Manu Samoa star finds and standout player in the 2023 World Cup in France, 29 year old Theodore MacFarland has been named as captain of the national team to play Italy and Spain at the Apia Park in the next two weekends.

In making the announcement, former Manu Samoa captain and new Head Coach, Mase Mahonri Schwalger said the choice was made of a player who carries the respect of the team and public, and someone whose character basically moulds the spirit of Manu Samoa through his leadership.

The long-striding lock or flanker currently plays for English Premiership Rugby club Saracens.

A locally nurtured talent, McFarland started as a basketball player and represented Samoa at the 2019 Pacific Games.

While at school, he played rugby at Pesega Church College, and also represented Moamoa Rugby Club in 2016.

He made his debut for Samoa in July 2021, playing two non-cap internationals against the Māori All Blacks, before winning his first cap against Tonga in the 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifiers. He played three times in the 2021 Pacific Nations Cup, scoring a try in his first match as a starter against Tonga on 9 July.

Manu Samoa Team Manager, Su’a Hesed Ieremia, new captain Theodore McFarland and Head Coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger announcing the new captain at a press conference at the Orator Hotel, 1 July 2024.

Emphasis on regaining respect for the team
Going into the first match against Italy this Friday, Head Coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger is passionate about regaining respect for the team.

“The main thing for me as a coach, I want players who want to be here. We also look at players who come only for a return such as money,” said Mase.

“In terms of money, you don’t find money here. But what we can provide is the legacy through ones service for the country, family and church.”

He stressed that regaining respect is the emphasis now for the Manu.

“We lost that edge and we lost that little bit of respect in the jersey and players becoming choosy and not giving the heart to serve the country.”

As Manu Samoa captain in the 2011 World Cup, he caused a major uproar when he exposed the Rugby Unions administration over the handling of money raised and that was supposed to be paid the players.

As the new Head Coach, Mase acknowledged that money had always been a factor on the teams’ preparations in the past and reflected on its performance.

With one week to prepare, Mase said Manu Samoa has always been like that where money has always been a problem.

“Even without money but we still go on,” said Mase.

One week to prepare his first team as the new coach against Italy which is in the top seven, is a challenge.

“It’s not enough time, one week to prepare, but we’ve picked players on fitness, form and skill levels in this small time window.”

Asked how he is looking at the outcome of this Friday’s match against Italy?

“No team goes in to lose. Lack of time to prepare is a challenge and has been used as an excuse.”

Always lacking playing time and against stronger teams, Mase sees the upcoming two tests as very important for the teams build up to the 2027 World Cup.

As the new captain, Theodore MacFarland acknowledged the coach’s confidence in him to lead the team and who will certainly lead from the front, come match day.