Samoa A squad named for Pacific Rugby Challenge

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 07 March 2017, 12:00AM

Samoa’s developing fifteens side is gearing up for the Pacific Rugby Challenge 2017.

Head Coach, Mailo Potu Leavasa has fielded strong 28 man roster. 

The team will travel to Suva, Fiji today  where they will compete against Junior Japan, Tonga A and Fiji Warriors.  

Aiding Mailo is Manu Samoa’s Head Coach, Namulauulu Alama Ieremia who said, “Obviously the goal is to win campaigns .  We’ve been in the finals a couple times but we need to win it.  

“We’ve got to see where it strategically fits in with the program of all rep teams and development model and make sure the players are coming through.”  

The roster features a great number of players who’ve just returned from the Brisbane 10’s such as Jeff Lepa, Oneone Faafou, Lucky Palamo and more. 

“The majority of the those players were in the Brisbane 10’s,” he said ,” It’s a straight transfer of players to the next level and next campaign.  You’re expecting some good things out of this campaign especially with the performances they had in Brisbane 10’s.  Its about momentum and by the time those campaigns are finished, they’ll obviously have the Super 9’s being launched here locally so it all sort of marries in.”  

Samoa A is a crucial development pathway for local and international players looking to make their mark on the international fifteens stage.  

Samoa A has turned out a number of Manu Samoa stars such as Danny Tusitala and Malu Falaniko.  

Namulauulu added,“ Manu Samoa players come out of this campaign as well and last year we had a few.  I think its important to see other developing programs from other countries as well.” 

P.R.C will also provide an excellent dress rehearsal for the upcoming test match window this June.  

 

Match Times 

Friday March 10th, 

Junior Japan (5pm local time)

Tuesday March 14th Tonga A 

(5pm local time)

Saturday March 18th Fiji Warriors 

(5pm local time)

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 07 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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