The long-awaited inclusion of the Pacific Islands in southern hemisphere franchise rugby is nearly upon us, but which off-contract players could Moana Pasifika sign for their inaugural season?
Belgium Tuatagoloa, 30, has played provincial rugby in New Zealand for Wellington and Canterbury and has represented Samoa at international level.
Rookie Samoa player Belgium Tuatagaloa spent eight years boxing in Auckland and only turned to rugby after being advised by a medic that he should quit the ring.
Evergreen five-eighth Pisi is the only Manu Samoa survivor from the team who stunned a largely second-string Wallabies team 32-23 in 2011.
Tusi Pisi will make his third World Cup appearance at the age of 37, while prop Michael Alaalatoa will complete a compelling family story after both were named in Samoa's squad on Saturday.
Manu Samoa head coach Steve Jackson has rung the changes for his side's Pacific Nations Cup clash with the United States in Suva on Saturday.
Tongan players have taken to social media to voice their frustration surrounding the decision to allow their Pacific Nations Cup opener against Samoa to go ahead in atrocious conditions at Apia Park on Saturday.
Despite leading for much of the match, Tonga failed to secure Pacific Nations Cup victory away from home in awful conditions against a spirited Samoa side.
While everyone is focused on the Rugby Championship, a raft of tier two nations will kick off their World Cup preparations in the Pacific Nations Cup this weekend.
A new Manu Samoa call-up has put his career in jeopardy after opting to play for his country ahead of this year's World Cup instead of staying with his club in France.
