Moana Pasifika captain Faiilagi to lead Manu Samoa in Nations Cup

Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi leads a contingent of five players from the Super Rugby Pacific team into the Manu Samoa squad for the upcoming World Rugby Nations Cup. Head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi announced the squad in Apia, highlighting a mix of experienced players and seven new faces set to make their international debuts.

The Nations Cup, scheduled for July, is a crucial stepping stone for Samoa as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Faiilagi, along with Moana Pasifika teammates Niko Jones, Joel Lam, Faletoi Peni, and Tuna Tuitama, will bring valuable experience to the team. The squad also features other seasoned players like former All Black Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Hurricanes halfback Ereatara Enari.

Coach Pisi expressed satisfaction with the blend of experience and new talent, noting that some players were unavailable due to club commitments or injuries. He emphasized the opportunity for new players to prove themselves on the international stage. "Am happy with the experience in the squad plus the new players we have named," Pisi stated. "We have some players who were part of the campaign in 2025 as well. It's an opportunity for us to see these players and give them the opportunity to prove themselves."

Manu Samoa will open their Nations Cup campaign against Hong Kong China on July 5 in Santiago, Chile. They will then face Georgia on July 11 and Romania on July 18. Pisi is confident in the selected players' ability to perform, with the expectation that unavailable players will be ready for the November internationals, which will feature the second round of the Nations Cup.

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Am happy with the experience in the squad plus the new players we have named. We have some players who were part of the campaign in 2025 as well. It's an opportunity for us to see these players and give them the opportunity to prove themselves.