A new look Manu Samoa 7s was announced on Friday for the first two rounds of the the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series in Cape Town, South Africa. 

Seasoned campaigner Paul Scanlan was one of the notable omissions as he is believed to have signed a contract with an overseas club.

Head coach Matamua Upati Junior Salima is optimistic of the squad despite a few players still under the weather.

"We have a few players who are sick, but there is still hope for better results. However, in terms of our preparations, we are still doing well. I think last week, some of the boys fell ill," he said.

"I believe the team's faith will get us there. The team is all made up of local players, we have two players who went to the Oceania Championship but won't be joining us as they have signed up with overseas clubs. 

"One is in New Zealand while another is in Australia. We have four new players joining us for Cape Town."

A tough looking men’s pool A sees Germany paired with Japan and Georgia. In pool B Chile will face Tonga and Portugal. Rugby sevens heavyweights Samoa line up in pool C together with Uganda and Brazil. Pool D sees Hong Kong China and Madagascar take on Canada who dropped out of HSBC SVNS to the Challenger.

The first two rounds of the Challenger will replicate the competition format used for the recent HSBC SVNS Cape Town tournament in December 2024. This sees the four pool winners progress directly to contest the semi-finals, while second-placed teams will play for fifth to eighth places and teams finishing third in their pools will compete for ninth to twelfth positions. 

Squad member Taitaifono Senio Tavita said he understood what was at stake.

"The journey is not easy for us but we rely on God's guidance. Our fitness level has improved throughout the weeks of training. Participating in the recent tournament held in Fiji helped boost our confidence. Beating New Zealand was a huge achievement for us," he said.

"We've been doing scrimmages against ourselves. Our game plan and training will help with our goal. Few more weeks to go and we will be able to lay it all out there on the field. But grateful for the opportunity to represent and carry Samoa's flag in this sport."

The team was announced during a press conference on Friday at the Vodafone Headquarters, Maluafou. The selected team are Siaosi Asofolau (c), Motu Opetai, Taualai Panoa, Vaovasa Afa Su'a, Johnny Vaili, Enosa Afemai, Ravuama Seruvakula, Tainano Enokosi, Tusitafu Toilolo, Seutalaga Peau, Taitaifono Senio Tavita, Lavanta Stowers, Faafoi Falaniko, and Naturo Salatielu. 

Athlone Stadium in Cape Town will host the opening two rounds of the HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025 on 1 - 2 and 7 - 8 March.