Strong MLR presence in Samoa squad for Pacific Nations Cup

Manu Samoa have named a squad of 30 for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. Head Coach Seilala Mapusua has selected five players from Major League Rugby, while three others have experience in the North American competition.

LA Giltinis front row pair Andrew Tuala and Marco Fepulea’i have each received their first senior international call-up. The latter has previously represented Samoa at u20 level. Rugby New York contribute tighthead prop Kalolo Tuiloma and left winger Ed Fidow. Seattle Seawolves flyhalf AJ Alatimu is also named in the squad.

Former New England Free Jacks prop Sef Fa’agase is a first-time selection for Samoa, as is Michael Curry who joins former Colorado Raptors teammate Sam Slade in the team. Saracens lock Theo McFarland was signed by Dallas in 2021 but did not join another MLR team when the Jackals opted to postpone entry.

There are a dozen uncapped players all told. Among them are former New Zealand Sevens pair Fritz Lee and Lolagi Visinia. Others include loosehead prop Aki Seiuli, back row Jordan Taufua, scrumhalf Ere Enari, and midfield trio Duncan Paia’aua, Danny Toala, and Nigel Ah Wong.

Samoa open their tournament against Australia ‘A’ on July 1. One week later they will take on Tonga, and finally Fiji completing on July 16. All three matches will be hosted by Fiji, the first in Suva with the second and third rounds taking place in Lautoka.

FORWARDS
Michael Ala’alatoa (capt., Leinster, IR), Sef Fa’agase (Queensland Reds, AU), Marco Fepulea’i (LA Giltinis, US), Aki Seiuli (Dragons, UK), Kalolo Tuiloma (Rugby New York, US), Seilala Lam (Perpignan, FR), Ray Niuia (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Andrew Tuala (LA Giltinis, US), Michael Curry (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Theo McFarland (Saracens, UK), Sam Slade (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Chris Vui (Bristol Bears, UK), Jack Lam (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Fritz Lee (Clermont Auvergne, FR), Alamanda Motuga (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Henry Stowers (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Jordan Taufua (Lyon, FR)

BACKS
Ere Enari (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Auvasa Faleali’i (Papatoetoe, NZ), Jonathan Taumateine (Moana Pasifika, NZ), AJ Alatimu (Seattle Seawolves, US), Rodney Iona (Brumbies, AU), D’Angelo Leuila (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Duncan Paia’aua (Toulon, FR), Henry Taefu (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Danny Toala (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Nigel Ah Wong (Blues, NZ), Ed Fidow (Rugby New York, US), Neria Foma’i (Moana Pasifika, NZ), Lolagi Visinia (Moana Pasifika, NZ)