Pride, family and shock were terms Nanai used to describe his past three weeks; an emotional journey that ended ceremoniously with a dramatic match-winning try in the left corner to seal third place for his nation in Osaka.
Samoa claimed third place in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 with a tense 18-13 victory over USA at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Saturday.
The final day of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup kicked off with a bang, as Samoa and the USA locked horns in the Osaka heat with a podium finish on the line.
Manu Samoa head coach Mahonri Schwalger has delivered a dose of confidence to his team who suffered a 22-point loss at the hands of Japan.
The gates to Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium were yet to open when fans started to arrive in numbers to watch Japan take on Samoa.
Manu Samoa are up against the Pacific Nations Cup playoff hosts in Tokyo and have named a side eager to take that challenge in their stride.
Samoa's Rugby World Cup training squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2023 has been announced by head coach Seilala Mapusua.
Moana Pasifika have not so yet proven to be the success story everyone hoped - but it's not all their own doing.
Moana arrived in Christchurch for round seven in search of their first win of the season, and looked poised to take it.
Playmaker Richie Mo’unga will play his 100th match in Crusaders colours on Friday night when the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions take on Moana Pasifika in Christchurch.