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Moana Pasifika stars bolster Samoa’s squad for Pacific Nations Cup

Jonathan Taumateine of Samoa waves the fans with the Samoan flag after the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Samoa and Chile at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 16, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)

Eight players from Moana Pasifika have been picked in Manu Samoa’s squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. This 31-man group includes talented athletes who ply their trade at club level in countries around the world.

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Sama Malolo, Luteru Tolai, Michael Curry, Samuel Slade, Meelani Matavao, Jonathan Taumateine, Alai D’Angelo Leuila and Danny Toala are the Moana Pasifika representatives in this Samoa squad.

Utility forward Theo McFarland, who will continue to serve as captain during the tournament from August 23 to September 21, is one of the many who compete for another side overseas. The skipper is the only active Samoa representative to play for English powerhouse Saracens.

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Other members of this squad play for clubs in New Zealand, France, Australia, Wales, the USA and Japan. The good news is there’s plenty of experience there for Manu Samoa to draw upon from clubs and coaches the world over.

Head coach Mase Mahonri will have the challenge of ensuring these players come together and play their best rugby as a unit. Mahonri was successful on debut as Samoa’s head coach with the team stunning Italy 33-25 at Apia Park last month.

Two potential debutants have also been named. Samoa-based Fred Tuilagi and a product of Harlequin Rugby Club in Australia, Tuna Tuitama, are in the mix to wear the coveted blue jersey of Manu Samoa for the first time over the next month or so.

Samoa starts their Pacific Nations Cup campaign against traditional rivals Fiji at ANZ Stadium in Suva on Friday, August 23. They will also take on Tonga at home on August 30 to determine who progresses from the pool stage.

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Eddie Jones’ Japan joins Canada and the USA in Pool B.

Manu Samoa squad for Pacific Nations Cup:

Lolani Faleiva, Marco Fepuleai, Tietie Tuimauga, Kalolo Tuiloma, Aki Seiuli, Sama Malolo, Andrew Tuala, Luteru Tolai, Michael Curry, Samuel Slade, Senio Toleafoa, Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee, Theodore McFarland, Murphy Taramai, Izaiha Moore-Aiono, Olajuwon Noa, Iakopo Mapu, Taleni Seu, Fred Tuilagi, Melani Matavao, Jonathan Taumateine, Afa Moleli, Alai D’Angelo Leuila, Rodney Iona, Danny Toala, Stacey Ili, Alapati Leiua, Pisi Leilua, Owen Niue Fetu, Tomasi Alosio, Tuna Tuitama.

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JW 3 hours ago
Why NZR's Ineos settlement may be the most important victory they'll enjoy this year

I wouldn’t think the risk is cash flow, as they have large cash reserves they said all through covid.


I suspect the author has it completely wrong as it pertains to the pool as well, because I can’t see the contracts of players changing year to year like revenue does.


I’d imagine there is an agreed principle to a ‘forecast’ figure of revenue for a cyclical period, and this is what 37% or whatever of is used for player salaries. So it would not change whatever that figure is until the next cycle. Cash flow, as you said, would be the main factor, but as they aren’t paid all it once, they’d not be hindered in this manor I don’t believe. Of all the references I’ve seen of a the player pool agreement, not once have I seen any detail on how the amount is determined.


But yes, that would be a very reasoned look at the consequences, especially compared those I’ve seen in articles on this site. Even with turnonver north of $350 million a year, 20 is still a sizeable chunk. Like this RA’s broadcast deal, they might have smaller sponsorship for a short period to align with everything else, then look to develop the deal further heading into the Lions tour cycle? Perhaps trying to take a deal from low to high like that is unlikely to a long term investor, and NZR want to get a good shortterm deal now so they can capitalize on growth for the Lions (i’m assuming that series has consequences on more than just broadcast deals right).

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