Manu Samoa

Samoa boss Mapusua explains delayed arrival of Lima Sopoaga in Apia

The 32-year-old, who won 16 caps for New Zealand between 2015 and 2017, has played for Lyon in the Top 14 these past two seasons.

He and his family are currently waiting in France for their visas to allow them to move to Japan, where Sopoaga has signed for Koto Blue Sharks for next season. This has resulted in him training on his own while the rest of the Samoa squad has been preparing for its pre-World Cup matches, a schedule that began with last weekend’s away win over Japan and continues with this Saturday’s clash versus Fiji in Apia.

Great match-up expected in Fiji vs Samoa game this weekend

After their close 24-22 win over Japan last week, the Manu Samoa side managed to move up to 10th place in the world rankings.

They will be looking to continue their fairy tale run again this weekend en route to the Rugby World Cup in September.

The Samoans will also want to defend their turf this weekend as they will be playing their first test as well in Apia after four long years.

Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians will be looking to spoil the party for the Samoans and secure a win to extend their lead on top of the Punjas Pacific Battle Series points table.

Manu Samoa return to top 10 in world rankings as they climb above both Georgia and Japan

The Pacific Islanders haven’t been in that position since the eve of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and have been down as low as 17th spot in the intervening years.

But their victory over upcoming pool rivals Japan continued Seilala Mapusua’s honeymoon period as coach, which has produced seven wins and only one loss.

Japan had to play a large chunk of the game a player down after number eight Michael Leitch was issued with a red card for a high tackle on So’otala Fa’aso’o.

Manu Samoa unveils new home and alternate jerseys

The jerseys will be worn during their official games for 2023-24 season.

Meanwhile, Samoa be playing against Japan in their first pre-rugby world cup game on Saturday, July 22.

This is before they hosts two home games against Fiji on Saturday, July 29 and Tonga on August 5.

Samoa’s pre-world cup game is against Ireland on August 26.

     

Japan’s Kubota Spears rugby club grateful to host Mapusua and Manu Samoa side

The club hosted the Manu Samoa head coach and his side for a training session at their ground ahead of their pre-rugby world cup game against Japan this Saturday.

The club posted on their official Twitter page saying “The Samoan national team, who is currently in Japan for the match against the Japanese national team that will be held this weekend, will practice at the Kubota Funabashi ground.”

“HC Seilala Mapua played for the Kubota Spears in the 2011-13 season #Spears Family.”

Samoans get a chance to watch their rugby gladiators play prior to RWC 2023

The Seilala Mapusua coached side will be playing back-to-back home pre-rugby world cup matches against Fiji and Tonga.

However, prior to the two games, Samoa will have their first test match against the Japanese in Hokkaido on July 22nd.

The team will then return home for back-to-back matches against their traditional Pacific rivals, Fiji and Tonga on July 29th and August 5th and will be the first time the Manu return to play on the Apia Park grounds since their last game there in 2019.

     

Manu Samoa players reminded of their success in making the team

These were the words of Samoa’s Head of State, Afioga I le Ao Mamalu o le Malo Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II to the players of the Samoa National 15’s rugby side.

Delivering his words of encouragement to the team ahead of the Rugby World Cup, Afioga said the players should consider it a huge success to be selected to represent Samoa for the tournament.

“I know that it has been a tough journey for all of you to get the opportunity to represent our country in the world cup and I believe that you are all proud and excited of being part of our Manu Samoa team.”

Manu Samoa commends Tana Umaga on Moana Pasifika appointment

Umaga is currently the defence coach for the national Samoan rugby team to the 2023 World Cup in September.

Manu Samoa posted on their official Facebook page saying “Alo I ou faiva ia manuia Fa'alogo Tana Umaga. Congratulations from your Manu Samoa.”

The former All Blacks captain had coached Moana Pasifika in their debut match against the Māori All Blacks in 2020.

Now after being unveiled as the new Moana Pasifika coach, Umaga has taken over from Aaron Mauger.

 He has signed a three-year contract from 2024 to 2026.

Manu Samoa pooled with Japan again in 2023 Rugby World Cup

They were in the same pool in the 2019 RWC and Japan defeated Samoa 38-19 in the pool games.

Samoa will be out to improve from their performance in the last world cup, where they won only one pool game against Russia 34-9 and lost the other 3 pool games to Scotland, Japan and Ireland.

Now currently ranked in 12th, the Seilala Mapusua coached side is roped in Pool D with ranked 6th England side, Japan who is currently in 10th, Argentina who’s in 8th place and Chile who is 22nd in overall standings.

Tana Umaga appointed as Defence Coach for the Manu Samoa

The 50 year-old was the assistant coach of the side that was undefeated throughout the tournament and defeated Fiji 23-20 in the final.

Umaga was also the Defence Coach in the Blues coaching set up after he was replaced by Leon MacDonald.

He was Head Coach of the Auckland based team between 2016 and 2018.

Umaga is among high profile former rugby players that have also been selected to be part of Samoa’s coaching set up.