Mealoi in doubt for Paris Sevens
The Manu Samoa Sevens faces a tough challenge to defend their Paris Sevens title this weekend with one of their key players likely to miss the tournament.
The star of last year’s Paris champion team, Tila Mealoi, has sustained a lower back injury and could well be left out of the team.
This was confirmed by the Samoa Rugby Union.
“There is an injury concern to Tila Mealoi (lower back), he'll be assessed again this morning to see if there is any change.
“If not, Francis Ieremia will come into the 12 man squad and Tila will be ruled out for Paris.”
The UK leg of the tournament is the last of the series.
Last year under the guidance of former coach Damian McGrath, Samoa defeated Fiji to win the title. The final team:
1. FILIPO UELI GORDON LANGKILDE
2. FAALEMIGA SELESELE
3. TOFATUIMOANA SOLIA
4. LAFAELE TULIU VAA
5. ELISAPETA ALOFIPO
6. ALAMANDA MOTUGA
7. ALATASI TUPOU
8. TOMASI JUNIOR ALOSIO LOGOTULI
9. TILA MEALOI
10. SAMOA TOLOA
11. JOE PEREZ
12. MATHEW BARRY TUATAGALOA
13. FRANCIS IOKA SAUFOI IEREMIA