Samoa call on new names for Pacific Nations Cup

Manu Samoa coach Steve Jackson has named a 33-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. Included are eight uncapped players, while a host of experienced internationals expected to be in consideration for the World Cup are unavailable for the three-match tournament.

Among the new names are three locally-based players. 21-year-old tighthead prop Alofa’aga Sao is called up after impressing in the Super 9 Championship, as are Samoa Sevens standouts Tofatu Solia and Johnny Vaili. All three have also represented Samoa at u20 or senior ‘A’ level.

Western Force flanker Henry Stowers is set to make his test debut, while the other four newcomers come from France. Former Australia u20 pair Senio Toleafoa and UJ Seuteni are included for the first time, with Bordeaux back row Afa Amosa and New Zealand Sevens cap Belgium Tuatagaloa, the latter switching his allegiance through the Olympic loophole.

Three forwards currently attached to Super Rugby sides are named – Highlanders hooker Ray Niuia, Blues prop Hisa Sasagi, and Hurricanes lock Kane Leaupepe. Seven players come from the English Premiership including five who were on Bristol’s books last season. Among them are Chris Vui and Jack Lam, both in the running for the captaincy which is yet to be determined.

Samoa will host Tonga at Apia Park before playing road games against the USA and Fiji in Suva. A detailed squad list can be seen here.

FORWARDS
Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Français, FR), James Lay (Bristol Bears, UK), Jordan Lay (Bristol Bears, UK), Logovi’i Mulipola (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Alofa’aga Sao (Savai’i Vikings), Hisa Sasagi (Blues, NZ), Elia Elia (Harlequins, UK), Seilala Lam (Perpignan, FR), Motu Matu’u (London Irish, UK), Ray Niuia (Highlanders, NZ), Kane Leaupepe (Hurricanes, NZ), Filo Paulo (London Irish, UK), Senio Toleafoa (Nevers, FR), Chris Vui (Bristol Bears, UK), Afa Amosa (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Piula Fa’asalele (Toulouse, FR), Jack Lam (Bristol Bears (UK), Faifili Levave (La Rochelle, FR), Tofatu Solia (Southern Tornadoes), Henry Stowers (Western Force, AU)

BACKS
Pele Cowley (Suburbs, NZ), Auvasa Faleali’i (Nevers, FR), Dwayne Polotaivao (Doncaster Knights, UK), AJ Alatimu (Western Force, AU), UJ Seuteni (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Kieron Fonotia (Scarlets, UK), Reynold Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues, UK), Alapati Leiua (Bristol Bears, UK), Henry Taefu (Western Force, AU), JJ Taulagi (Mont-de-Marsan, FR), Belgium Tuatagaloa (RoVal Drôme, FR), Johnny Vaili (A’ana Chiefs), Ahsee Tuala (Northampton Saints, UK)

FIXTURES
July 27 – vs Tonga (Apia)
August 3 – vs USA (Suva)
August 10 – vs Fiji (Suva)