Manu Samoa 7s training squad named
Lakapi Samoa has announced a 24-men training squad for the Manu Samoa 7s team following the completion of the trial games.
The squad was announced in a statement released by the Lakapi Samoa management on Monday.
The announcement of the squad comes on the back of the completion of the National 7s trial games which concluded last weekend at the Apia Park Stadium.
The 24-men squad is Vaafauese Apelu (Tepatasi), Uaina Sione (Tama Uli), Tipa Sapeti (Safotu), Theodore MacFarland (Moamoa), Taunuu Niulevaea (Fasitoo-Tai), Vaovasa Afa Sua (Tama Uli), Elia Tuumatavai (Marist), Miracle Faiilagi (Moataa), Kirisimasi Savaiinaea (Tama Uli), David Tavita (Vaiala), Melani Matavao (Fasitoo-Uta), Steve Rimoni (Vaiala), Perosi Taupo (Tufulele), Faafoi Falaniko (Tepatasi), Paul Eti Slater (Laulii), Paul Scanlan (Moataa), Laaloi Leilua (Laulii), Tila Mealoi (Apia), Bright Tapeneko (Laulii), Owen Niue Fetu (Vaiala), Tuna Tuitama (Mulifanua), Des Sepulona (Tama Uli), Neueli Leutufia (Laulii) and Malo Luteru (Vaiala).
Players that did not make the squad will go the Lakapi Samoa’s rugby academy and include: Emani Peniamina (Fasitoo Tai), Enosa Auvaa (Tama Uli), Mark Kolio (Apia), Malu Falaniko (Vaiala), Naturo Salatielu (Faga), Moomoo Falaniko (Marist), Taualai Panoa (Safotu), Ueta Avaotuna (Tufulele), Mark Tusigaigoa (Vaiala), and Paul Faalogo (Moataa).
The Manu Samoa is led by the head coach Muliagatele Brian Lima and his management team.
In round one of the National 7s trials, Manono took the lead with 15 points, followed by Apolima (14 points), Savaii (11 points) and Upolu (eight points).
However, in the second round, Upolu took the lead with 14 points followed by Apolima and Savaii with 12 points each and Upolu (8 points).
The player who recorded the most scores was Laaloi Leilua of Laulii with 56 points, Bright Tapeneko (55 points), Vaafauese Apelu (50 points), Tuna Tuitama (46 points), and Ueta Avaotuna (36 points).
The Manu Samoa is still continuing to train at the Lakapi Samoa headquarters.