Manu Samoa Head Coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi has named some heavy hitters in his squad for the upcoming Nations Cup in November.
Former All Blacks Josh Ioane, Akira Ioane and Shaun Stevenson have all completed their three-year stand-down periods and have now made the eligibility switch to Samoa.
Josh Ioane is a first five-eighth who is currently playing for Connacht in Ireland. Formerly, Josh Ioane played 45 matches for the Highlanders and 29 for the Chiefs. During that time, he earned an All Blacks call-up against Tonga in 2019. Josh Ioane is no stranger to the blue jersey, having previously represented Manu Samoa U20.
Similar to Josh Ioane, Shaun Stevenson played just one Test for New Zealand. “Shooter”, as he has been nicknamed, came through the New Zealand system, representing them at U20 level, the Māori All Blacks and the All Blacks XV. Stevenson played more than 100 matches for the Chiefs and made his All Blacks debut in 2023. Currently playing for Kubota Spears in Japan, Shooter finally has the opportunity to don the blue jersey.
Akira Ioane is the older brother of current All Black Rieko Ioane. Akira started his international career with the New Zealand Sevens before playing for the All Blacks U20. He would go on to represent his Māori side alongside Stevenson in the Māori All Blacks while playing for the Auckland Blues. Akira’s 119 appearances for the Blues earned him 21 caps for the All Blacks between 2020 and 2022.
Named alongside these three stars is Etene Nanai-Seturo, who is no slouch himself. Nanai-Seturo debuted for the All Blacks Sevens straight out of high school in 2018. He has just finished his contract with the Chiefs and now joins ASM Clermont Auvergne in France.
The speedster will join AJ Lam at Clermont, who has also been named by Coach Lemalu Pisi. Lam wrapped up his time with the Blues at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season and joins Clermont alongside Nanai-Seturo.
Lam will be the newest to carry the famous last name in a blue jersey, following in the footsteps of relatives before him, including Pat Lam, Seilala Lam and Jack Lam. His cousin Joel Lam is also named in the squad at halfback.
That makes five potential debutants for Manu Samoa who have played high-level representative rugby in New Zealand.
While five players have come through the New Zealand system, there is also a big name who came through the Australian system and has been named by Lemalu Pisi.
Irae Simone is a former Wallabies internationals and have also completed his three-year stand-down periods.
Irae Simone made a name for himself at the Brumbies before earning a Wallabies call-up in 2022. He moved to France soon after and has recently moved his career to Japan.
Samoa will also welcome the return of captain Theo McFarland, who was unavailable for the July Tests earlier this year.
Local star and former Moana Pasefika Miracle Faiiagi returns to the squad along with fan favourites Sam Slade, Alamanda Motuga, Marco Fepuleai and Niko Jones in the forwards.
Power centre Lalomilo Lalomilo returns with Duncan Paiaaua in a backline that is missing Tuna Tuitama and Melani Matavao.
Local star who debuted at the last outing, Warren Solomona is missing believed to be an integral part of the Manu Samoa 7s campaign.
One local player was named. Efeso Tavita from Laumosooi Siumu is the sole local player named at halfback. Efeso has been on form during the NPC and recent 7s tournaments.
Samoa will play Zimbabwe, Portugal and Spain during the November Test window.
BJ is a part-time sports reporter who loves rugby and rugby league. He has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting from Waikato University. His rugby clubs are Fraser Tech in Hamilton, and Marist Rugby Club in Samoa. BJ is Samoa’s 59th Olympian having made the Rugby 7s team in 2024. BJ has signed to play for North Sydney in the Schute Shield in 2025.
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