In a significant shift for international rugby, Samoa has announced their 30-man squad for the Nations Cup this November, featuring three former All Blacks: Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane, and Shaun Stevenson. This strategic incorporation aims to bolster the Pacific Islanders' team as they seek to improve upon their modest performance from their July tests.
Samoa's squad restructuring brings fresh hopes following a July outing that saw them secure only one victory out of three tests. With matches slated against Zimbabwe, Portugal, and Spain, the team's management is keen on turning the tide and advancing their competitive edge.
Akira Ioane, a notable back-rower with 21 appearances for the All Blacks, headlines the trio switching allegiances. Ioane, known for his robust performance, debuted for the All Blacks in 2020 and represented the All Blacks XV in 2023. Now eligible to play for Samoa following the mandatory stand-down period, he currently plays club rugby in Japan for the Kintetsu Liners.
Joining him is half-back Josh Ioane, who has had a brief but significant stint with the All Blacks, debuting in a victory against Argentina during the 2021 Rugby Championship. His last appearance in the black jersey was later that same year against Tonga. Post his New Zealand tenure, Ioane moved to Ireland to play for Connacht in the URC.
Shaun Stevenson, who completed his lone Test for New Zealand with a try against Australia in a World Cup warm-up, also makes the list. Stevenson has continued to make his mark in rugby, playing for the Barbarians and the All Blacks XV, and currently represents the Kubota Spears in Japan.
The addition of these experienced players follows the paths of other notable rugby talents like Scott Sio and Jacob Umaga, who have also chosen to represent Samoa. This strategic move highlights Samoa's commitment to bolstering their team by including seasoned players from top-tier rugby nations.
The wider squad also includes promising uncapped players such as AJ Lam, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Irae Simone, Efeso Tavita, and Chris Gabriel, all eager to make their mark on the international stage. With seasoned pros like Theo McFarland and Michael Alaalatoa also in the mix, Samoa's team showcases a blend of experience and emerging talent.
Samoa's full squad for the upcoming Nations Cup is as follows:
- Forwards:
- 1. Scott Sio
- 2. Aki Seiuli
- 3. Michael Alaalatoa
- 4. Marco Fepuleai
- 5. Tietie Tuimauga
- 6. Millennium Sanerivi
- 7. Sama Malolo
- 8. Richie Asiata
- 9. Ben Petaia Nee-Nee
- 10. Samuel Slade
- 11. Chris Gabriel
- 12. Theo McFarland
- 13. Niko Jones
- 14. Alamanda Motuga
- 15. Miracle Faiilagi
- 16. Akira Ioane
- 17. Abraham Papali’i
- Backs:
- 18. Connor Tupai
- 19. Joel Lam
- 20. Efeso Tavita
- 21. Jacob Umaga
- 22. Josh Ioane
- 23. Irae Simone
- 24. Peter Umaga-Jensen
- 25. Lalomilo Lalomilo
- 26. Duncan Paia’aua
- 27. Latrell Ah Kiong
- 28. AJ Lam
- 29. Etene Nanai-Seturo
- 30. Shaun Stevenson
The infusion of talent and experience into the Samoan squad not only increases the team's competitive prowess but also enriches the cultural and tactical diversity of the game at an international level. As Samoa gears up for the Nations Cup, the rugby world eagerly anticipates seeing how these strategic shifts will translate into performance on the field.
