Selectors from the Samoa Rugby Union have officially announced the local U-20’s training squad.   

The list is tentative pending the overseas trials that will take place in the coming months. Which will add much more competition for all who are vying for a spot on the official team roster.  

Trials took place, Wednesday afternoon in the hottest part of the day at Apia Park.  Yet, weather wasn’t a deterrent as these  boys put their best foot forward, shedding blood and sweat to hopefully catch the eyes of  the selectors.   

The team is preparing for their first ever campaign in the World Rugby U20 Championship held in Tblisi, Georgia beginning on May 31st .  

The pitch was steaming with talent of so many players who are raring to put on the blue jersey.    Players were divided into four teams, with one being from Savai’i to compete in a round robin tournament to distinguish who is the absolute best Samoa has to offer.   

With over 40 players were competing for a spot on the training squad roster.  

Head Coach of the U20’s team, Fa’aofonu’u Junior Leota explains, “We’re trying to identify the best 23 locals we can from here and prepare them for the final trials in April.”

Looking out onto the field, the Head Coach was blown away by the great turnout and bared witness to some amazing talent.  He said, “I’m really surprised with the turnout.  We trained with thirty players throughout the last 4-5 weeks and we ended up having 4 teams.  We could have had 5 if we wanted to but its pretty good. The support from the parents bringing their kids to these trials is amazing and I’m quite happy. 

Fa’aofonu’u was flanked by some of the most experienced coaches in the S.R.U, who will be part of the selection committee: Head Coach of Manu Samoa, Namulauulu Alama Ieremia, Head Coach of Samoa A Mailo Potu Leavasa  and Former Manu Samoa’s Seven’s Head Coach, Fuimaono Dickie Tafua.  

 Although this is the final trial for local players, Fa’aofonu’u also has his sight set on Samoan players based overseas.

There will be U20’s trials held in Australia, Auckland and Wellington, in the coming months to allow international Samoan players a chance to represent their heritage.  

 Head Coach explains, “We prepared early to get as many locals as we can into our squad.  Not only that its terms of development as well.  But at the end of the day, as selectors and coaches, we want to take the best Samoan players we can.  To me, whether your overseas or local, you’re still Samoan.”  

With the final training squad officially being named, the boys will need to work even harder for the next trial which will include players from overseas.  

The final team U20’s will be named in April before heading off to Georgia in May.  

Congratulations on your selection.  

Under 20s Training Squad Local Players

 First Name Last Name

1 Setu Enoka Enoka

2 Nowel Sanft Sanft

3 Alofaaga Sao Sao

4 PJ Tofaeono Tofaeono

5 Frankie Tupuola Tupuola

6 Mufale Faatafa Faatafa

7 Jonathan Skipps Skipps

8 Tausaga Tausaga

LOCKS

9 Iosefatu Mareko Mareko

10 Steven Swhenkey Swhenkey

11 Peato Toeafe Toeafe

12 Kolio Mafulu Mafulu

LOOSE FORWARDS

13 Paul Faalogo Faalogo

14 Sun Ululā Ululā

15 Kalepo Tuifua Tuifua

16 Francis Ah Him Ah Him

17 Onty Alatina Alatina

18 Fue Tofaeono Tofaeono

19 Sile Alivale Alivale

20  Jordan Ieremia Ieremia

BACKS PLAYERS

21 Pupi Ah See Ah See

22 Howard Ah Chin Ah Chin

23 Dangello Leuila Leuila

24 Dillon Loibel Loibel

25 Lalomilo Lalomilo Lalomilo

26 Maalii Peni Peni

27 Faasua Pualaga Pualaga

28 Collin Palamo Palamo

29 Silao Lia Lia

30 Kelvin Masoe Masoe

31 Ricky Osa Osa

32 Moo Falaniko Falaniko

33 Kalolo Lauasoga Lauasoga

34 Albert Onelei Onelei

35 Tagaloa Fonoti Fonoti

36 James Fiso Fiso

37 Elizabeta Lauaoa Lauaoa

38 Talitiga Apelu

39 Junior Palamo