Samoa Announce Three Ex-All Blacks in Stacked 2023 Rugby World Cup Training Squad
Rugby NewsTuesday, 20 June 2023 at 11:34
Samoa Head Coach Seilala Mapusua has announced his 42-man training squad, ahead of the Pacific Islanders' Rugby World Cup warm-up matches this Summer.
Bristol Bears player Steven Luatua during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears at Welford Road on June 5th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
Mapusua is making the most out of the World Rugby laws regarding international eligibility, as he has recruited the services of three former All Blacks, and an ex-Australia international. The rule allows players to represent a new nation, after a 36 month 'stand-down' period from international rugby, and permitting that the player has heritage or residence eligibility.
This allows former All Blacks Steven Luatua, Lima Sopoaga and Charlie Faumuina to represent Samoa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Ex-Wallabies fly half Christian Leali'ifano has also been named in the wider training group for Samoa.
Samoa head to Dublin to take on the Number One ranked nation Ireland on August 26th, for a Rugby World Cup warm-up match. This 'friendly' fixture will be a tough tern for Andy Farrell's side, as his team complete preparations and build on from their 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam.
Samoa have been drawn into Pool D along with England, Argentina, Chile and Japan. This is lining up to be an exciting group, with some thrilling match-ups set to take centre stage this coming September. Samoa have a star-studded squad, that includes big names from the top European leagues and Super Rugby.
Forwards:
Steven Luatua, Captain of Bristol Bears during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Wasps and Bristol Bears at Ricoh Arena on 10 October. Photo: Steve Bond/PPAUK/Gallagher
Steven Luatua
Michael Ala’alatoa
Brian Alainu’uese
Paul Alo-Emile
Michael Curry
So’otala Fa’aso’o
Miracle Fai’ilagi
Charlie Faumuina
Jack Lam
Seilala Lam
Titi Lamositele
Jordan Lay
Fritz Lee
Genesis Mamea-Lemalu
Sama Malolo
Theo McFarland
Theo McFarland of Saracens side steps Tommy Reffell of Leicester Tigers during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Leicester Tigers and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium on 18 June 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Alamanda Motuga
Ray Niuia
Taleni Seu
Samuel Slade
Jordan Taufua
Luteru Tolai
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
Tietie Tuimauga
Chris Vui
Chris Vui of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Gloucester Rugby at Ashton Gate, Bristol on the 6th May. PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Backs:
Christian Leali’ifano
Nigel Ah Wong
Ereatara Enari
Neria Fomai
Stacey Ili
D’angelo Leuila
Tumua Manu
Melani Matavao
Tim Nanai-Williams
Duncan Paia’aua
UJ Seuteni
Lima Sopoaga
Martini Talapusi
Jonathan Taumateine
Danny Toala
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