Manu Samoa coach, Namualuulu Alama Ieremia, has announced his squad for the June July Internationals.

With Aaron Mauger named as his new Assistant Coach, the squad includes eight new players.

Coach Ieremia said the squad represented a solid mix of experience and new and upcoming talent.

 “We are delighted with the squad we have named today. We have some very experienced players in the squad, but we have also ensured we have injected some new energy into this playing group,” he said.

 “Samoa Rugby has been going through a period of healthy change, and we believe we’ve picked a solid squad for the upcoming season.

 “We kick off our campaign as we did two years ago, with the opportunity of a lifetime to play against the World Champion All Blacks. Then we play Wales in Apia plus our World Cup qualification test matches against our brothers from Tonga and Fiji.

 “While Apia Park will always be our true home ground, the fact that we are playing at Eden Park signals an opportunity to call that ground, our home away from home with all our supporters and families in Auckland and NZ.

 “We have a huge international season ahead of us, and like other Pacific nations we have to manage the fact our talent comes from all around the world.

 “Unfortunately some talented players were not available this season because of injury, but it has also given us the opportunity to blood in new talent,” he said.

Samoa Rugby Union also announced the appointment of former All Black Aaron Mauger as assistant coach.

“After discussing earlier in the year this opportunity, I am grateful to have someone of Aaron’s calibre join our coaching team. His coaching pedigree is much in demand around the world, and he will fill an area of need in our coaching setup that will assist us greatly,” said Namualuulu.

Mauger himself is excited about the opportunity.

“I am very humbled and excited about this opportunity. Manu Samoa Rugby has always had a strong place in my heart due to family bloodlines and I have always been a close follower and proud supporter of the team over the years.

 “I feel very privileged to be able to join the team and help them through a very important period in Samoa Rugby. This team is a great fit for me and the timing is good.

 “The opportunity to work alongside some good people in a team that has a rich culture and strong connections with its people appeals to me immensely.

The squad:

FORWARDS

1 Census Johnston (Racing 92, FRA) - Lalomanu, Falevao

2 Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Francais, FRA) – Leulumoega Tuai/Fasito’oTai/Falefa

3 Viliamu Afatia (Racing 92, FRA) - Vaiala, Saoluafata

4 Nephi Leatigaga (Piacenza, ITA) - Salelologa, Siumu

5 Hisa Sasagi (Otago, NZ) - Malie, Vaisala

6 Bronson Fotualii-Tauakipulu (Northshore, NZ) - Faleapuna

7 Maatulimanu Leiataua (Bayonne, FRA) – Manono, Safune

8 Elia Elia (Harlequins, UK) – Salelesi, Afega

9 Seilala Lam (Nevers, FRA) – Gaitaivai, Malie, Taga

10 Faatiga Lemalu (Saracens, UK) – Faleasiu, Lefaga

11 Chris Vui (Bristol, UK) – Foailuga, Lano, Saasaai

12 Masalosalo Tutaia (Pau, FRA) – Nofoalii, Matautu Lefaga

13 Taiasina Tuifua (Lyon, FRA) – Lauli’I, Sili

14 Piula Faasalele (Toulouse, FRA) – Magiagi, Nofoalii

15 Jack Lam (Bristol, UK) – Gaitaivai, Malie, Taga

16 Alafoti Faosiliva (Worcester, UK) – Afega, Tuanai

17 Faalemiga Selesele (Hawkes Bay, NZ) – Moataa, Satupaitea, Saleleloga

18 Faifili Levave (Mitsubishi, JPN) – Lalomanu, Fasitoo-Uta

19 Vavae Tuilagi (Carcassonne, FRA) – Fatausi, Fogapoa, Lalomalava

20 Kelly Meafua (West Harbour, AUST) - Lalomauga

BACKS

21 Kahn Fotualii (Bath, UK) - Faleapuna

22 Auvasa Faleali’i (Nevers, FRA) – Letogo, Gagaifo

23 Dwayne Polataivao (Northcote, NZ) – Lefagaoalii, Nofoalii

24 Tusiata Pisi (Bristol, UK) – Lefaga, Safaatoa, Toamua

25 D’Angelo Leuila (Papatoetoe, NZ) – Gataivai, Fagalii

26 Reynold Lee Lo (Cardiff Blues, WLS) – Vailima, Magiagi, Satoalepai

27 Kieron Fonotia (Ospreys, WLS) - Apia

28 Alapati Leiua (Bristol, UK) - Malie

29 Henry Taefu (Queensland Reds, AUST) – Siufaga, Samatau Falelatai

30 Tila Mealoi (Apia, Aleipata, SAM) – Lalomanu Aleipata

31 David Lemi (Bristol, UK) – CAPTAIN – Iva, Levi

32 Albert Nikoro (West Scarborough, AUST) – Vaiala, Vaiusu

33 Tim Nanai Williams (Chiefs, NZ) – Manono, Falelatai

34 Ahsee Tuala (Northampton, UK) – Moamoa, Gataivai

35 Ken Pisi (Northampton, UK) - Lefaga, Safaatoa, Toamua

Unavailable - injury

1 Logovii Mulipola (Leicester, UK)

2 Sakaria Taulafo (Stade Francais, FRA)

3 Antony Perenise (Bristol, UK)

4 Motu Matuu (Gloucester, UK)

5 Oneone Faafou (Vaiala, SAM)

6 TJ Ioane (Sale, UK)

7 Winston Stanley (Harlequins, UK)

Unavailable - personal

1 Paul Williams (Stade Francais, FRA)

2 Paul Perez (Toulouse, FRA)

3 Naama Leleimalefaga (Worcester, UK)

New Caps

1 Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Francais, FRA)

2 Masalosalo Tutaia (Pau, FRA)

3 Kieron Fonotia (Ospery, WAL)

4 Henry Taefu (Reds, AUST)

5 Bronson Fotualii-Tauakipulu (Northshore, NZ)

6 Auvasa Faleali’i (Nevers, FRA)

7 Tila Mealoi (Aleipata, SAM)

8 Kelly Meafou (West Harbour, AUST)