Former Wallaby Sio named in Samoa World Cup Final Qualification Tournament

Former Wallaby Scott Sio follows in the footsteps of his father David, who played in the 1991 Rugby World Cup for Manu Samoa.

In fact, he was named Scott after being born three days before Western Samoa were set to play Scotland in the quarter-final of that tournament.

The 34-year-old recently became eligible for the island nation, last pulling on the gold jersey in September 2022 against New Zealand.

Sio headlines a strong Samoa squad set to fight for the final spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup after going down to Chile last month.

Former Brumby Rodney Iona has also been named, set to share the playmaking duties with Duncan Paia’aua, who was part of the Wallabies squad in 2021.

Moana Pasifika hooker Millennium Sanerivi is in line for his Test debut, one of several from the team alongside the likes of Miracle Faiilagi, Lalamilo Lalamilo and Jonathan Taumateine.

Saracens lock Theo McFarland is set to captain the side as one of several overseas stars to go with Abraham Papalii and Jacob Umaga, nephew of legendary All Black and Moana Pasifika coach Tana.

Samoa will battle Belgium, Namibia and Brazil for the final spot at the World Cup in Australia in a three-round tournament in Dubai.

Manu Samoa will open their campaign against Brazil on 8 November, face Namibia on 13 November, and finish their campaign against Belgium on 18 November, with all matches taking place at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai.

Manu Samoa 30-Man Squad
1. Scott Sio* – Solosolo, Vaiala – Exeter Chiefs, UK
2. Titi Lamositele – Falealupo, Saleimoa – Harlequins, UK
3. Jarred Adams – Lefagaoalii & Safune – Suburbs Rugby Club, Auckland, NZ
4. Michael Alaalatoa – Fasitoo Uta & Apia – ASM Clermont, France
5. Tietie Tuimauga – Faala Palauli, Fagafau – Saracens, UK
6. Sama Malolo – Vaisala, Matautu Uta – Perpignan, France
7. Luteru Tolai – Gagaifo, Lefaga & Aitutaki, Cook Islands – Biarritz, France
8. Millennium Sanerivi* – Taelefaga Fagaloa, Fasitoo-Uta – Moana Pasifika
9. Theodore McFarland (C) – Salelavalu & Moamoa – Saracens, UK
10. Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee – Lalomanu & Salesatele – Seawaves, Japan
11. Michael Curry – Faatoia & Taufusi – Moana Pasifika, NZ
12. Taleni Seu – Eva & Solosolo – Toyota Shokki Shuttles, Japan
13. Alamanda Motuga – Satoa, Saanapu – Moana Pasifika, NZ
14. Niko Jones – Moataa & Safune – Waitemata, NZ
15. Miracle Faiilagi – Vailele, Uafato – Moana Pasifika, NZ
16. Iakopo Mapu – Faleula & Vaitele Fou – Stade Francais, France
17. Abraham Papalii – Maagiagi, Fusi Anoamaa – Castres Olympique, France
18. Connor Tupa’i – Tuasivi & Sataua – San Diego Legion, USA
19. Joel Lam – Alafua & Satupaitea – Burnside Rugby Football Club, NZ
20. Jonathan Taumateine – Nofoalii, Satapuala – Moana Pasifika, NZ
21. Jacob Umaga – Sagone, Leulumoega – Benetton Treviso, Italy
22. Rodney Iona – Pata, Falelatai & Vaiafai, Iva – Seattle Seawolves, USA
23. Faletoi Peni* – Satupaitea, Sili – Southland, NZ
24. Tumua Manu – Afega, Sasina – Pau, France
25. Melani Nanai – Falelatai & Papauta – Capilano, Canada
26. Duncan Paia’aua – Mutiatele, Satupaitea – USA Perpignan, France
27. Lalomilo Lalomilo – Safotu, Falefa – Moana Pasifika, NZ
28. Latrell Ah Kiong – Faala, Fusi Safata – Western Sydney Two Blues, Aust
29. Tuna Tuitama – Mulifanua & Faleasiu – Moana Pasifika, NZ
30. Vaafauese Apelu Maliko* – Lufilufi, Lotopue – Rugby Club Suresnois, France

• Denotes Potential Debutants

Samoa has been in every World Cup since 1991 and Head Coach, Lemalu Tusi Pisi understands exactly what’s at stake saying “This is the final qualification spot for Rugby World Cup 2027, and the team is fully aware of the importance of this moment for Samoa. It’s a huge motivation for us all.”

In its World Cup qualification campaign, Manu Samoa had problems with players availability.

“In terms of player availability, we’re pleased to welcome back a strong core group of players who have been part of our journey over the past seasons, alongside some new faces who have impressed and earned their selection. That mix of experience and youth gives us balance, energy, and a lot of pride,” says Lemalu.

Manu Samoa arrives in Dubai during match week and play that same weekend, so putting the team together quickly will be vital.

“But our preparation has already started, the install of information, clarity around our systems, and communication with players has been ongoing before camp even begins. By the time we come together, everyone will already be aligned and ready to go,” says Lemalu.

“Our focus now is on execution and connection. We know this will be a tough challenge, but the belief within the team is strong. We’ll give everything for Samoa, for our families, and for our people.”