Manu Samoa pulls out of November Test against Italy

Apia, Samoa – 11 October 2025 – Manu Samoa has pulled out of playing Italy in November to focus efforts and resources on qualifying for World Rugby 2027.

Manu Samoa has yet to win a game in 2025 and have been forced into the final qualification tournament where it will have to beat out Belgium, Namibia and the winner of the Brazil-Paraguay two-leg play-off to do so.

In its place, Chile will now play Italy rather than Samoa in the upcoming November Tests, after the South American nation’s qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

After a 32 all draw, Chile beat Samoa 31-14 in last month’s South America/Pacific play-off to book their spot in the flagship tournament in Australia in two years’ time, forcing Samoa into next month’s Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai.

Samoa continue to face endemic problems such as the lack of funds and availability of its best players and Samoa lost ten players who pulled out of the second and deciding qualification match with Chile at the last minute.

Samoa still has a chance to qualify for the 2027 World Cup and continue their record of featuring in every World Cup since 1991.

Former players including former Manu Samoa captain Filipo Levi has posted a public appeal to players to make themselves available for the final qualification tournament for the sake of the team and its many fans who live in and close to Australia that is hosting the World Cup 2027.

The Lakapi Samoa rugby union has faced a lot of criticisms over the declining state of rugby in the country both in 15s and 7s pointing to the need for a new administration, the ill treatment of players and coaches in the past and corruption in the handling of funds over the years.

“While we appreciate that it’s disappointing for Samoa fans not to see their team in action in Europe in November, at the same time we fully recognise that they must focus their efforts and resources on the Rugby World Cup 2027 final qualification tournament,” said Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Six Nations Rugby.