AJ Alatimu joins three ex-MLR players in Manu Samoa squad

Seattle Seawolves flyhalf AJ Alatimu has been named in the Manu Samoa squad for the upcoming mid-year internationals. Samoa have scheduled four matches – two warm-ups against the New Zealand Māori on June 26 and July 3, followed by World Cup qualifiers against Tonga on July 10 and July 17.

There are three former Major League Rugby players among the 31 names listed. Former Utah Warriors Kalolo Tuiloma and Dwayne Polataivao are named at tighthead prop and scrumhalf respectively, with former Colorado Raptors No8 Sam Slade covering both lock and loose forward.

Slade and Tuiloma are among 13 uncapped players. Others include second row Theo McFarland, who signed with Dallas but did not move to MLR when the Jackals withdrew from the 2021 season, and former New Zealand u20 hooker JP Sauni.

There are seven players from Super Rugby in the group including Crusaders tighthead Michael Ala’alatoa, who captains the squad. Inside center Rodney Iona was due to join Utah this season before receiving an offer from the Brumbies. Former Highlanders center Seilala Mapusua is the Head Coach.

PROP
Michael Ala’alatoa (Crusaders, NZ), Albert Anae (Melbourne Rebels, AU), Aki Seiuli (Glasgow Warriors, UK), Kalolo Tuiloma (Counties Manukau, NZ), Tietie Tuimauga (Manawatu Turbos, NZ)

HOOKER
Seilala Lam (Perpignan, FR), Ray Niuia (Blues, NZ), JP Sauni (Associates, AU)

LOCK
Theo McFarland (Moamoa Roosters), Ben Nee Nee (Kamaishi Seawaves, JP), Filo Paulo (Avalon, NZ)

BACK ROW
TJ Ioane (Glasgow Warriors, UK), Jack Lam (NEC Green Rockets, JP), Alamanda Motuga (Counties Manukau, NZ), OJ Noa (Hunter Wildfires, AU), Sam Slade (Counties Manukau, NZ), Henry Stowers (Brumbies, AU)

SCRUMHALF
Auvasa Faleali’i (Papatoetoe, NZ), Dwayne Polataivao (Tasman Mako, NZ)

FLYHALF
AJ Alatimu (Seattle Seawolves, US), D’Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech, NZ)

CENTER
Tomasi Alosio (Hutt Old Boys Marist, NZ), Stacey Ili (Melbourne Rebels, AU), Rodney Iona (Brumbies, AU), Henry Taefu (Western Force, AU)

WING
Elisapeta Alofipo (Tama Uli), Losi Filipo (Bay of Plenty Steamers, NZ), Neria Fomai (Hawke’s Bay Magpies, NZ), Joe Perez (Lauli’i Lions)

FULLBACK
Ahsee Tuala (Northampton Saints, UK), Johnny Vaili (A’ana Chiefs)