The Manu Samoa have announced the team for this Sunday’s opening World Rugby Nations Cup clash against Hong Kong China, with five players set to earn their first Manu Samoa cap.
Headlining the debutants are two local star players from the Laumua o Tumua Rugby Club, Warren Solomona and Taunu’u Niulevaea.
Both players have established themselves as key figures for Samoa Sevens and will now have the opportunity to showcase their abilities in the 15-man game.
Laumua o Tumua Vice President Tuiloma Sina Retzlaff said this is a milestone for the Club, and there are many more local players of the same calibre willing to put their hands up for international selection.
“Viia Le Alii. Warren Solomona and Taunu’u Niulevaea are players of the highest calibre, both on and off the field,” said Tuiloma. “They work hard, and are both highly disciplined players…
“Congratulations boys. This is well deserved and a long time coming.. we have every confidence you will showcase your God-given talent this weekend and make your families proud.”
“This is our WHY,” added Tuiloma. “Why we turn up week in, week out, with limited resources on a voluntary basis to feature teams in local competition..
“So that our local players can be featured and our young talented players can have a chance to be seen by national selectors..”
Taunuu Niulevaea in action for Laumua o le Rugby Club.
“Momoli le faafetai tele i selectors mo le amanaia o alo ma fanau o loo atia’eina i Samoa nei.. faafetai tele fo’i i nai kamupani, uo ma paaga o loo fesoasoani mai i le kalapu a le Laumua o Tumua i vaiaso taitasi..”
The local pair are joined by Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia, Peter Umaga-Jensen and Taeaoelia Pomale-Time.
Warren Solomona has been playing for LOT since he was 18 years old.
Also selected from Laumua o Tumua is Tuna Tuitama. Former Moana Pasifika named on the wing.
Another local hero and Moana Pasifika star, Miracle Faiilagi has been named Captain of the Manu Samoa and takes on the role from Theo McFarland, also locally developed in Samoa before joining the Saracens club in England.
Both Miracle Faiilagi and Theo McFarland have made immense contributions to their overseas clubs, showing the heights local players can reach when exposed to the well-resouced rugby environments.
Laumua o Tumua Rugby Club Inc. in American Samoa, Marist Pago 7s, 2023.
The local National Provincial Championship final is set for this Saturday, 3pm at the HPU grounds at Tuanaimato.
Taunuu Niulevaea and Warren Solomona were both competing in Samoa’s Federal Pacific Insurance NPCN when they got the call-up. Niulevaea representing A’ana and Solomona turning out for Falealili.
“This is our WHY. Why we turn up week-in, week-out with limited resources on a voluntary basis to feature teams in local competition..”
Last year Taunuu Niulevaea had featured alongside East Timor Viliamu for Falealili at the NPC final. Both were selected for the Manu Samoa but an injury stopped Taunuu from joining. Local talent ET Viliamu now playing overseas was part of the squad but did not debut. ET will feature for Falealili this weekend.
The Federal Pacific Insurance NPC competition has showcased a host of local talent this season – with Falealili and Taula Apia Rugby Union to face-off in the final this weekend.
The Taula Apia Rugby Union side, coached by former Manu Samoa Tapunu’uomanū Roger Warren, will feature some of the best talent Samoa has to offer, and this weekends final promises to be a fantastic showcase of local rugby.
🇼🇸Manu Samoa VS Hong Kong China🇭🇰
Sunday 5th July
8:00am (Samoa Time)
📺LIVE on TV5 Samoa
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