Manu Samoa 7s Head Coach, Muliagatele Fata Brian Lima, has officially announced the squad to represent Samoa in the upcoming Vancouver 7’s & Los Angeles 7’s Leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023-2024 at BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, Canada this weekend 23rd to 25th February 2024; and at Dignity Health Sports Park. Los Angeles, USA on 1st to 3rd March 2024.
Samoa is in Pool B, alongside Australia, USA and France. Manu Samoa 7s will kick off their campaign on Saturday 24th at 11:38am against Australia (Samoan local time).
The lineup introduces two promising youngsters set to potentially make their debut this weekend: Des Sepulona (Tama Uli Salelologa) and Dan Patelesio (Marist St Joseph’s). Additionally, the team welcomes back Steve Onosai (Vaiala Ulalei) who has fully recovered from his injury sustained last year. Also Paul Eti Alesana-Slater makes his return into the squad.
Stalwart Melani Matavao is unavailable due to commitments to Moana Pasifika, while Paul Scanlan and Levi Milford are ruled out due to injuries sustained in Perth.
Manu Samoa 7s squad:
Name | Club | Villages | |
1 | VAOVASA AFA SU’A (C) | Tama Uli Salelologa | Salelavalu & Salelologa |
2 | FAAMAONI JR LALOMILO | Marist St. Joseph’s | Falefa & Safotu |
3 | BJ TELEFONI LIMA | Marist St. Joseph’s | Letogo & Sapunaoa |
4 | MOTU OPETAI | Siumu | Siumu & Leauvaa |
5 | UAINA TUI SIONE | Tama Uli Salelologa | Faala Palauli & Saleimoa |
6 | TAUNUU NIULEVAEA | Safotu | Fasitoo Tai & Vailuutai |
7 | DES SEPULONA FAOA * | Tama Uli Salelologa | Tuanai & Faleula |
8 | NEUELI LEITUFIA | Laulii Lions | Laulii & Sapapalii |
9 | TOM MAIAVA | Marist St Joseph’s | Salailua & Sinamoga |
10 | STEVE ONOSAI ** | Vaiala Ulalei | Falelima & Vaiala |
11 | ELISAPETA ALOFIPO | Tama Uli Salelologa | Saleaula & Salelologa |
12 | FAAFOI FALANIKO | Tepatasi | Lotopue & Salelesi |
13 | PAUL ETI ALESANA-SLATER | Laulii Lions | Lalomalava & Laulii |
14 | DAN PATELESIO * | Marist St Joseph’s | Tufulele & Fusi Saluafata |
Management
Name | Position | Villages | |
1 | MULIAGATELE FATA BRIAN LIMA | Head Coach | Letogo, Afega & Avao |
2 | TAUSA FAAMOE FAAMAONI LALOMILO | Assistant Coach | Safotu, Falefa, Leusoalii & Sinamoga |
3 | TUALA LEAEGA PAT LEOTA | Team Manager | Leauvaa, Lotofaga, Faleula, Gautavai & Sili |
4 | JUNIOR NARAYAN | Analyst | Poutasi Falealili, Vaivase & Sinamoga |
5 | NATHEN FOULAGI | Physiotherapist | Fasitoo Tai |
Note:
* – Denotes New Cap; ** – Denotes Returning player from injury; C – Captain
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