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Head Coach Steve Jackson has announced Samoa’s roster to compete at Rugby World Cup 2019. All but one player are contracted to professional teams outside of Samoa with the majority not having been raised in the country.
Called-up are players from rugby’s elite leagues including the English Premiership, Pro 14, Top 14, and Super Rugby. Michael Alaalatoa has been included from the Crusaders. He is the son of Samoa’s RWC 1991 player Vili Alaalatoa and the brother of current Australian prop Allan Alaalatoa.
Both he and Scott Malolua of the Queensland Reds have been selected without any prior test match experience. Both are to make their debuts in Japan at the World Cup itself.
The oldest player included is also the most capped – Tusi Pisi. The 37-year-old fly half will enter his third Rugby World Cup with the same number of caps as his age.
Samoa will begin their RWC 2019 campaign on September 24. In their first match they are to taken Russia in Kumagaya. Their subsequent matches are to be in Kobe, Toyota, and Fukuoka against Scotland, Samoa and Ireland respectively.
For complete details of Samoa’s 31-man roster click here.
SAMOA WORLD CUP ROSTER
FORWARDS: Seilala Lam (Perpignan, FRA), Raymond Niuia (Highlanders, NZ), Motu Matu’u (London Irish, UK), James Lay (Bristol, UK), Jordan Lay (Bristol, UK), Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Français, FRA), Logovi’i Mulipola (Newcastle, UK), Michael Alaalatoa (Crusaders, NZ), Afaesetiti Amosa (Bordeaux, FRA), TJ Ioane (London Irish, UK), Jack Lam (Bristol, UK), Piula Fa’asalele (Toulouse, FRA), Josh Tyrell (Oyonnax, FRA), Chris Vui (Bristol, UK), Teofilo Paulo (London Irish, UK), Kane Leaupepe (Hurricanes, NZ), Senio Toleafo (Nevers, FRA)
BACKS: Melani Matavao (Aana Chiefs), Tusi Pisi (Bristol, UK), Henry Taefu (Western Force, AUS), Alapati Leiua (Bristol, UK), Rey Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues, UK), Kieron Fonotia (Scarlets, UK), AJ Atatimu (Western Force, AUS), Ulupano Seuteni (Bordeaux, FRA), Dwayne Polotaivao (Doncaster, UK), Belgium Tuatagaloa (RoVal Dróme, FRA), Scott Malolua (Queensland Reds, AUS), Ed Fidow (Gloucester, UK), Tim Nanai-Williams (Clermont, FRA), Ahsee Tuala (Northampton, UK)
