Manu Samoa 7s squad to HSBC series announced

By Alexander Rheeney • 28 November 2023, 10:09PM

Head Coach of Manu Samoa 7s, Muliagatele Brian Lima has announced the squad set to represent Samoa in the upcoming HSBC SVNS World Rugby Sevens Series 2023-2024.

The series kicks off this weekend in Dubai on 2-3 December with Samoa in Pool A alongside New Zealand, Canada and South Africa. Manu Samoa will kick off their campaign on Saturday at 7:50 pm against South Africa, according to a statement released on Tuesday by Lakapi Samoa.

The unveiled lineup introduces three promising youngsters set to potentially make their debut this weekend: Pelasio Samuelu Niuula (Tepatasi), Taitafono Senio Tavita (Apia Maroons), and Pasia Tuifua (Laulii). Additionally, the team welcomes back former Manu Samoa Winger, Elisapeta Alofipo, who rejoined the squad during the Oceania Sevens Championship, securing Samoa's spot in the Olympics Qualifier.

Leading the team will be Captain Vaovasa Afa Su'a, supported by Vice Captains Paul Eti Alesana- Slater and Paul Scanlan.

Muliagatele has expressed confidence in the selected squad and anticipates an exciting start to the season and is looking forward to the team's performance in the tournament. The full squad is as follows:

1. Vaovasa AFA SU'A | Tamauli Salelologa | Salelavalu & Salelologa

2. Faamaoni Junior LALOMILO | Marist St. Joseph's | Falefa & Safotu

3. BJ Telefoni LIMA | Marist St. Joseph's | Letogo & Sapunaoa Falealili

4. Motu OPETAI | Siumu | Siumu & Leauvaa

5. Taitaifono SENIO TAVITA | Apia Maroons | Levi Saleimoa & Safotu

6. Taunuu NIULEVAEA | Safotu | Fasitoo Tai & Vailuutai

7. Pelasio SAMUELU NIUULA | Tepatasi | Vailoa Aleipata & Lotopue

8. Malakesi MASEFAU | Tepatasi | Malaela & Lotopue

9. Paul Eti ALESANA-SLATER | Laulii Lions | Lalomalava & Laulii

10. Paul SCANLAN | Moataa | Moataa & Lano

11. Elisapeta ALOFIPO | Tamauli Salelologa | Saleaula & Salelologa

12. Faafoi FALANIKO | Tepatasi | Lotopue & Salelesi