Manu Samoa

Former stars to coach Manu Samoa vs the Barbarians

Test matches against Georgia, Uruguay and Spain were cancelled earlier this month, because of Covid-19 restrictions in Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.

But a squad of Samoan players based mainly in Europe will still take the field in the Killik Cup clash against the Barbarians in London on November 27.

Former Manu Samoa first five Lemalu Tusiata Pisi and tighthead prop Census Johnston will act as co-coaches for the one-off clash.

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Manu Samoa pulls out of North Hemisphere tour

Lakapi Samoa Board made the decision in line with the relevant Samoa Government’s Health Special Travel Advice which acknowledged the COVID-19-related challenges in relation to players based in New Zealand. 

Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai, said “Lakapi Samoa was not able to assure or guarantee the safety of any of our players and management whilst campaigning and the current S.O.E. measures by the Government restricts the return of anyone within six months of contracting the virus.”

Moana Pasifika announce signings of three Manu Samoa internationals

Nine-test midfielder Henry Taefu and two-test utility backs Neria Foma’i and Tomasi Alosio have all signed for the new expansion franchise ahead of the 2022 season.

Taefu provides the most experience of the trio after having made his Manu Samoa debut against Tonga in Nuku’alofa four years ago.

Since then, the 28-year-old has featured regularly for Samoa at test level, starting in all four of his nation’s matches at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

'We were the poor cousins': Samoa's 1991 World Cup upset 30 years on

The venerated Aucklander enjoyed a swashbuckling time playing in New Zealand and England before going on to forge the coaching adventure that now has him at the helm of ambitious Bristol. However, nothing has yet to eclipse the magical moment from 1991 when Western Samoa shocked the world with their World Cup win over Wales in Cardiff. 

Manu Samoa cancel end of season tour

The Manu were scheduled to kick off their tour against Georgia on 6 November, before taking on Uruguay, Spain and the Barbarians.

But Lakapi Samoa has confirmed the tour will not proceed, while the Manu Samoa 7s team have also pulled out of the upcoming World Rugby Sevens Series legs in Dubai.

Lakapi Samoa CEO Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai said the Board decision was taken in line with the Government's current health and travel advice.

Manu Samoa to rely on Northern Hemisphere players in November

11 new caps featured in Samoa's two wins over Tonga in July, which secured their spot in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Two third of that squad were based in New Zealand and Australia, because of the travel restrictions imposed by Covid-19.

Lakapi Samoa's General Manager of High Performance, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun, said the latest outbreaks in both countries mean they will focus their selections on players already playing in the north.

"Definitely it's a big no for us from New Zealand," he said.

Manu Samoa seeking replacement coach after Umaga steps down

The former All Black captain was part of an all-star coaching line-up assembled by Seilala Mapusua, that included former Manu Samoa skipper Mahonri Schwalger, Blues assistant coach Tom Coventry and Crusaders assistant Andrew Goodman.

Samoa defeated Tonga last month to secure their qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Umaga confirmed on Tuesday he was taking a break from professional coaching to focus on a supplements business he launched with wife Rochelle earlier this year.

Samoa back radical re-think of 2025 Lions tour to Australia

Mapusua, the Samoa head coach, wants to ensure his country is included in the proposed schedule after Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan failed to mention them when putting forward the idea of Pacific Islands fixtures.

McLennan only name checked Fiji and Tonga despite Samoa having recently qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France by defeating Tonga in two matches.

Mapusua told RugbyPass: “I hope we haven’t done something to upset Rugby Australia because we would want to be involved in any fixtures for the Pacific Islands nations against the Lions.”

Manu Samoa and Manu Sina players in managed isolation

 This has been confirmed by the Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri in a press conference on Monday.

Leasua added that all their tests have come back negative so far as they remain under close observation.

The teams returned home after being stranded in Dubai, earlier this month.

The players went to participate in the Olympic qualifiers in Monaco.

They were among 72 people who were denied travel on a repatriation flight to New Zealand.

     

Samoa seal Rugby World Cup qualification over Tonga

The Manu led by 20 points early in the second half but withstood a determined 'Ikale Tahi comeback to prevail 79-28 on aggregate over two legs, following last weekend's 42-13 victory in Auckland.

With their place in France now confirmed, how is coach Seilala Mapusua feeling?

"The first word that comes to mind is relieved, a little bit of satisfaction and a hint of excitement," he said post match.