Samoa reveal 32-man Rugby World Cup squad including 3 ex-All Blacks
Manu Samoa have named their official 32-man Rugby World Cup squad for France, with one player yet to be named.
It’s argulable the strongest Samoa World Cup squad of the professional era, boasting several high profile former Tier 1 stars.
Bristol’s Chris Vui and Leinster’s Michael Alaalatoa were named co-captains of the squad, which also includes three former All Blacks in the shape of standoff Lima Sopoaga, flanker Steven Luatua and tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina. Former 1-cap All Black Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen is not listed in the squad, although there is still one place still up for grabs.
Former Wallaby playmaker Christian Leali’ifano is also included, as is former USA Eagles prop Titi Lamositele.
The squad also includes Jordan Taufua, Brian Alainu’uese, TieTie Tuimauga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Tumua Manu, Fritz Lee, Duncan Paia Aua, Paul Alo-Emile, Genesis Mamea Lemalu and UJ Senteni; all who currently play their rugby in France.
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Locked n Loaded
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Your Rugby World Cup Squad
#folaufaatasi #journeytorwc23 #manusamoa pic.twitter.com/McEP31YkPt— Manu Samoa (@manusamoa) August 6, 2023
Samoa are set to play the Barbarians in Brive and Ireland in Bayonne in warm-ups matches later this month. They are in Pool D with England, Japan, Argentina and Chile.
NZ biggest poachers of world rugby
The Islanders will take some big scalps in pool play.
It will make a big difference in deciding quarter final dreams.
They now have teams in Super Rugby , most have had top club experience and some have played for and ABs , Aust
Good luck to the teams of the Pacific , no one hits harder ?????
Absolutely fantastic to see the former ABs players are able to help the boys at the world cup 2023.
Incorrect article. The squad has changed. Tim Nanai didn't make it, new addition is Ben Lam. Stop copying and pasting previous articles. This is Manu Samoa's final squad before the world cup. A lot of omissions from the previous selection for the Pacific Nations Cup. Do better rugby pass.
It is absurd that former ABs are playing for Samoa in a RWC. And what...are half of the squad NZ born?