Players such Steven Luatua, Ben Lam, Lolagi Visinia, George Moala, Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Lima Sopoaga are now eligible for Manu Samoa, effective immediately, after World Rugby voted to allow players to switch nations after observing a three-year stand-down from test rugby.
And, should Ioane not be selected by the All Blacks next year, Mapusua will swoop for the new No Chiefs 10.
“You’ve got guys like Josh Ioane, who have played one test for the All Blacks, Josh has been playing some awesome footy at the moment,” Mapusua told Stuff on Thursday.