The 2023 Rugby World Cup is shaping up to be the best one yet, says Manu Samoa Head Coach, as the team was accorded an official welcome by the French city of Montpellier on Wednesday.

In true Samoan style, Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua said it was an honour to have been welcomed to the city, located in the south of France about 10 km inland from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

“We look forward to the support of the city and should we come across France in our journey, we know that all the people of Montpellier will support Samoa,” he said. “May this Rugby World Cup bring our nations together as we celebrate our people through the sports of rugby.

“I have no doubt that this would be the best Rugby World Cup due to the people involved.”

For some of the younger players, this is their maiden World Cup, and for some their first-ever trip to Europe. The senior players who have been playing in Europe, especially France have been given the task of looking after their younger teammates. 

The players considered senior also include the likes of Christian Lealiifano who has the most international experience from the lot. He said he was happy to share the knowledge gained from his longtime experience with members of the team.

Meanwhile, England’s Samoan powerhouse Manu Tuilagi has gone on public record expressing his desire to don the Samoan jumper at the next Rugby World Cup. Under the new eligibility rules, he can do that.

In an extensive interview with the UK newspaper The Daily Telegraph, the youngest Tuilagi revealed that while “England is very special to me, of course, but my heart and home is still Samoa.”

“I’d love to pull on the blue jersey one day," he said. 

Manu, who is named after the Samoan national side, is the odd one out of his rugby-playing brothers Anitelea, Alesana, Henry and Freddie. They all opted to play for Manu Samoa rather than any of the European nations they've spent time living in throughout their professional careers.

Tuilagi could be available for Samoa for selection for the 2027  Rugby World Cup, though time isn’t on his side as he would be aged 35 by then.

Manu Samoa begin their World Cup campaign on Sunday 17 September 2023 at 2 am (Apia time). The Rugby World Cup kicks off this weekend with hosts France taking on New Zealand in a repeat of the 2011 RWC final. The match kicks off on Saturday 9 September at 8.15 am.

Matches this weekend see Italy take on Namibia at 12 am on Sunday. Also on Sunday, Ireland faces Romania at 2.30 am, Australia is up against Georgia at 5 am while England battles Argentina at 8 am.