Seilala Mapusua secures new job after Moana Pasifika exit

Former Samoa centre and head coach Seilala Mapusua has joined Japan Rugby League One outfit, Kubota Spears, as an assistant coach. It marks a return to Kubota for Mapusua, who played there in the latter stages of his decorated career.

Mapusua had been on the lookout for a new job since Moana Pasifika folded at the end of the Super Rugby season and is now part of head coach Frans Ludeke’s coaching team.

“I feel immense joy and excitement at this new challenge, returning to Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay as a coach, 15 years after joining as a player,” said Mapusua, who moved to Kubota from London Irish in 2011 in his playing days.

“My family and I are deeply grateful to the club for this opportunity.

“I look forward to working with head coach Frans Ludeke, the coaching staff, club staff, and players.

“I will do my utmost to contribute to the team’s further success.”

Mapusua, 46, spent two seasons with Moana Pasifika, having been appointed as an assistant coach in November 2024.

He joined the then new Super Rugby franchise after losing his job as head coach of Manu Samoa.

Mapusua, who won 41 caps for his country, took charge in August 2020 and won eight of his first 11 Tests.

However, a disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign in 2023, in which Samoa failed to make it beyond the pool stages, led to his removal as head coach, with former teammate, Tusi Pisi, eventually replacing him.

Canterbury assistant and former Highlanders player, James Lentjes, is another new addition to the Kubota coaching roster.

Prior to working with Canterbury, Lentjes coached defence for two-and-a-half years at the Utah Warriors in Major League Rugby in the United States.

Kubota will be looking to go one better than last year in 2026/27, having lost the JRLO final 22-13 to Dave Rennie’s Kobe Steelers.