Manu Samoa will face the top ranked team in the world Ireland in a test match, as the pre-Rugby World Cup 2023 schedule has been announced by Lakapi Samoa.

Preparations begin in early July at home in Apia, with a two-week team camp. This is followed by the first test against Japan in Hokkaido, Japan on 22 July.

The team returns home for back-to-back matches against their traditional Pacific rivals, Fiji and Tonga on 29 July and 5 August respectively. This will be the first time Manu Samoa plays at Apia Park since 2019, before the pandemic.

“We are pleased to announce the upcoming fixtures for Manu Samoa and most importantly bringing test matches back home to Samoa.” said Lakapi Samoa CEO, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai.

“Our people will be happy to welcome and support our team again after trying times over the last three years due to covid-19.”

Upon the official naming of the RWC squad, the team will travel to France for a pre-RWC match against Ireland, on 26 August in Bayonne, France.

“To secure a match against the number one team in the world is a great help for the Manu Samoa’s preparations as opportunities to play tier 1 countries have been few and far between,” Faleomavaega added.

Manu Samoa Head Coach, Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua is looking forward to the journey ahead.

“I am happy with our plans and preparations towards the Rugby World Cup, with a schedule of matches that will test us on all fronts especially physically and mentally” said Vaovasamanaia.

“Our pre-RWC opponents will reflect styles and team profiles similar to the teams that will be in our RWC pool. Playing them will be as much about their preparations as it is about ours.”

The RWC squad will be announced on the first week of August with the official arrival date into their RWC team base in Montpellier, on September 4th. Manu Samoa will play in Pool D against Chile, Argentina, Japan and England.

Manu Samoa 2023 pre-RWC Schedule

Manu Samoa vs Japan, Saturday July 22, Hokkaido, Japan

Manu Samoa vs Fiji, Saturday July 29, Apia, Samoa

Manu Samoa vs Tonga, Saturday August 5, Apia, Samoa

Manu Samoa vs Ireland, Saturday August 26, Bayonne, France