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.
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 are up against the Pacific Nations Cup playoff hosts in Tokyo and have named a side eager to take that challenge in their stride.
Worcester boss Steve Diamond has made Italy hooker Hame Faiva his fifth new signing for the 2022/23 season. The 27-year-old will arrive at Sixways from Treviso-based Benetton on a two-year contract having joined the United Rugby Championship side five years ago.
Melani Nanai was injured in his first game back for Worcester after just eight minutes as a replacement in the loss to Saracens.
An emotional Melani Nanai talks factory work, family and faith.
Melani Nanai was a huge signing for Worcester when he arrived in 2019 but he has now suffered a second serious injury in England.
Melani Nanai got it all wrong in the tackle last Saturday at Sixways, the Worcester full-back getting red-carded and leaving Jonny May to fail his HIA test.
Worcester Warriors Melani Nanai has apologised to Gloucester winger Jonny May on Twitter for the red card tackle that saw the England wing removed from the field of play for a HIA.
Worcester director of rugby Alan Solomons felt unable to comment on Melani Nanai’s early red card which proved to be the turning point as the Warriors crashed to a 44-15 defeat to Gloucester at Sixways.
