Samoa demand ‘intentional and accurate’ approach at WXV

Fuimaono Bella Milo has named her first squad as head coach of Manusina Samoa ahead of the WXV Global Series Challenger.

Bella Milo enjoyed an 18-year playing career with Samoa and even represented her country in rugby sevens at the 2026 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

At last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, she was defence coach for Samoa. A role she performed while six months pregnant. In April it was confirmed that the 40-year-old had succeeded Ramsay Tomokino as the team’s head coach.

The squad contains a number of players that competed at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, including Lutia Col Aumua and Taytana Pati Ah Cheung. Harmony Vatau, who registered Samoa’s only points at the competition, is not selected.

Itema Filipaina, Janita Faoagali-Kareta, Koreti Leilua and Ariana Matue are all in line for their Test rugby debuts at Kai Tak Sports Ground over the next three weeks.

Fuimaono Bella Milo, Manusina Samoa head coach, said: “The squad we selected brings a fantastic mix of experience, combining players returning from the World Cup last year and others with valuable WXV experience.

“Having players come straight out of competitive club rugby environments across New Zealand, Australia and Samoa has significantly boosted our preparation, so we are looking forward to hitting the ground running next week.

“WXV gives us invaluable time together as a squad. With our ultimate goal focused on the World Cup qualifiers next year, we need to be intentional and accurate in our style of play. Every step we take now is about building momentum toward Oceania 2027.

“On a personal level, I am genuinely looking forward to this campaign. We have an outstanding coaching staff and a management team that deeply cares for this jersey. I am eager to see our growth and execution as we look to move the needle and, ultimately, inspire the next generation of Tamaitai Samoa to represent our country.”

Manusina Samoa 2026 WXV Global Series Challenger squad

Ana Afuie-Falefa, Lutia Col Aumua, Michelle Curry, Drenna Falaniko, Janell Fereti Faanana, Linda Fiafia, Avau Valentina Filimaua, Itema Filipaina*, Jorja Fruean, Leutu Iefata Suaesi, Janita Faoagali-Kareta*, Davina Lasini, Saelua Leaula, Hasting Leiataua, Koreti (Leki) Leilua*, Fa’asua Makisi, Ariana Matue*, Maletina Maevaga Brown, Octavia Nanai Iafeta, Malia Nikolao, Faith Nonutunu, Taytana Pati Ah Cheung, Melina Salale, Easter Savelio, Machiko Silila F Fepuleai, Olalini Tafoulua, Precious (Fai) Auimatagi, Tyra Boysen Auimatagi

*uncapped

Manusina Samoa WXV Global Series Challenger fixtures

• Sunday 13 September | Manusina v Netherlands
• Saturday 19 September | Manusina v Spain
• Saturday 26 September | Hong Kong China v Manusina