Mother & Daughter play for Manusina in Oceanian tournament

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 21 April 2026: Samoa’s Manusina Women’s Rugby team has made history by selecting the first mother and daughter duo to play in the 2026 Oceania Rugby Women’s XV Championship in Fiji this week.

Sui Pauaraisa and Marilyn-Rose Pauaraisa both earned spots in the squad highlighting the deep family roots and growing talent within Manusina, symbolizing a proud legacy and bright future for women’s rugby in Samoa.

According to Lakapi Samoa, Sui Pauraisa has played every campaign since 2018 and is the most capped player in Manusina and has captained Manusina in many international competitions.

The tournament gathers the region’s top female rugby players to showcase their talent on an international stage hosted by Oceania Rugby.

The campaign signals a new chapter for Manusina, with recent leadership changes.

Fuimaono Bella Milo, appointed as Head Coach, will not travel to Fiji due to club commitments in Hong Kong but continues to shape the team’s long-term vision.

Manusina Oceania Rugby 2026 Team

In her absence, Silei Etuale steps in as Campaign Head Coach. A former Wallaroos star with 13 Test caps and two Rugby World Cup appearances in 2006 and 2010, Silei brings invaluable experience and leadership to the squad.

“I am honoured to lead this team; our focus is on building depth, giving new players exposure, and strengthening team chemistry,” Sialei stated.

Supporting her is Matai’a Aleni Feagaiga, a dedicated coach with over 15 years of experience.

His background includes coaching roles with the New Zealand Heartland XV, the Under 19 team, and regional teams in Samoa.

His passion for developing players and fostering strong team environments aligns perfectly with Manusina’s goals.

The team recently defeated New Zealand Universities 36-19 as part of their preparations.

The squad features experienced internationals and emerging talent, with some players potentially making their debut.

The mother and daughter duo marks a significant milestone for Samoa’s women’s rugby but also embodies the legacy of family, dedication, and emerging talent within the team.

MANUSINA SQUAD:
1. Ana-Maria Afuie – Falefa, Luatuanu’u, Vailele – Sunnybank RFC, AUS
2. Utumalama Atonio – Lotopa – Papatoetoe RFC, NZ
3. Tyra Boysen-Auimatagi – Malie, Lefaga, Utualii, Faleula – Endeavour Hills, AUS
4. Michelle Ame Curry – Vaoala, Fa’atoia – Bond University, AUS
5. Drenna Falaniko – Tafitoala, Mulivai Safata – Petone, NZ
6. Joanna Fanene Lolo – Lalomalava, Neiafu – Marist Old Boys, NZ
7. Janell Fereti Faanana – Salailua, Satupaitea – Savaii Queens, SAM
8. Linda Fiafia – Lufilufi, Magiagi, Satuiatua – No Idea, SAM
9. Nina Foaese – Vailoa Faleata – Norths United, NZ
10. Jorja Fruean – Solosolo, Salamumu – Ponsonby Fillies, NZ
11. Leutu Iefata Suaesi – Siumu, Saoluafata – No Idea, SAM
12. Siluando Lafai – Magiagi, Saleaula – No Idea SAM
13. Faaaloalo Christina Luafitu – Vailoa Palauli, Fasitoo Uta – Striders, SAM
14. Latoya Taheela Mariner – Salelavalu, Satapuala – Melbourne University, AUS
15. Octavia Nanai Iafeta – Avao, Saleimoa, Falelatai – Hong Kong Football Club, HKG
16. Maria Eirenei Nikolao – Fagaloa, Auala – Savaii Queens, SAM
17. Faith Nonutunu – Alafua, Solosolo – Ponsonby Fillies, NZ
18. Memphis Pati Ah-Cheung – Faleula, Nofoalii – Chifley Chiefs, AUS
19. Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung – Faleula, Nofoalii – Chifley Chiefs, AUS
20. Marilyn-rose Ripine Pauaraisa – Foailalo, Sasina – Linwood Bulls, NZ
21. Masuisuimatamaalii Pauaraisa – Foailalo – Linwood Bulls, NZ
22. Machiko Silila F Fepuleai – Malie, Vailoa Aleipata – Western Lions, ACT, AUS
23. Ana-Lise Sio – Solosolo, Vaiala – Sydney University, AUS
24. Iron Talia – Falelatai, Siumu, Afega, Leauva’a – Sunnybank RFC, AUS
25. Celeste Salaki Utumapu – Fasito’otai, Sagone, Fagaloa, Siumu – Sunnybank RFC, AUS
26. Clementine Utumapu – Leauva’a, Saipipi, Vaitele, Saleimoa – Queanbeyan Whites, AUS
27. Harmony Vatau – Salailua, Salelavalu – Sunnybank RFC, AUS

MANAGEMENT
1. Silei Etuale – Campaign Head Coach – Lotosoa Saleimoa, Lotofaga
2. Matai’a Aleni Feafaiga – Assistant Coach – Sinamoga, Saleaua
3. Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino – Manager – Saina, Vailoa-Palauli, Tafatafa-Falealili
4. Afa Aiono – Strength & Conditioning Coach – Leulumoega, Fasitoo Uta
5. Apollos Paramore – Physiotherapist – Pesega
6. Junior Narayan – Media & Analyst – Sinamoga, Poutasi Falealili

2026 Oceania Rugby Women’s XV Championship Match Schedule:
Round 1 – Fijiana v Tonga Lofa XV | 17 April | 5:30pm | Churchill Park
Round 2 – Manusina v Tonga Lofa XV | 21 April | 5:30pm | Churchill Park
Round 3 – Manusina v Fijiana XV | 25 April | 4:30pm | Govind Park