Super Rugby Pacific
Highlanders bolster 2027 squad with two international recruits
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Samoa 
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Samoa
The Samoa rugby team is one of the finest in the Pacific. They play at the Rugby World Cup, the Pacific Nations Cup and the World Rugby Nations Cup.
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Latest
World Ranking
Samoa are currently 20th in the World Rugby Rankings. Their highest ever ranking was 7th in November 2013.
Ranking Over Time
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2003
2015
2026
Samoa Matches
Sat 18 Jul, 2026
Sat 2 Oct, 2027
Fri 8 Oct, 2027
Samoa Rugby Team Players
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Samoa Backs
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Samoa Rugby Team
The Samoa rugby team - also known as 'Manu Samoa' honouring a celebrated Samoan warrior - are an established international side, despite the Polynesian island nation's modest size. The team currently plays in the Rugby World Cup, the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup and the World Rugby Nations Cup
Rugby union was introduced to what was Western Samoa, at the time, in 1924 by visiting Marist Brothers missionaries. In that same year Samoa played their first international game against Fiji, with the visitors ending up the victors with a 6-0 win. This game laid the foundations for future games and tours of neighbouring Pacific islands over the following decades, before an official series the Pacific Tri-Nations between Tonga, Fiji and Samoa was formed in 1982.Over the 1980s and 90s the Samoa rugby team played and defeated a number of top European sides which helped them make a big impression on the world rugby stage. This included a 14-match tour of Europe and a World Cup elimination series held in Tokyo, with the latter earning the side a place in the 1991 World Cup.This tournament was a huge success for Manu Samoa, as the team beat heavyweights like Wales and Argentina to earn what was an unprecedented quarterfinals finish where they lost out to Scotland 28-6 at Murrayfield. Following the creation of professional rugby in 1995, Samoa was able to create a more structured administration and in the World Cup of this year, again went on to an impressive quarterfinals finish.To date, despite the country's small size, the Samoa rugby team have been involved in every World Cup after this with a quarterfinal play-off finish in 1999 and pool stage finishes in every other tournament since. The other main international honours include Samoa's four tournament wins in the annual Pacific Nations Cup.
The Samoa rugby teams of the past has included some internationally recognised players and has two inductees to the World Rugby Hall of Fame. The first of these two players is Samoa's iconic winger Brian Lima, who currently is the nation's most capped player and the record try scorer. The other is the late Peter Fatialofa who captained the side in their first World Cup in 1991.
The current Samoa rugby team also has a number of quality players playing in some of domestic rugby union's top sides. This includes Saracens lock Theo McFarland and Perpignan hooker Sama Malolo.
The team is also known for performing the Siva Tau - a Samoan war dance - before each match.
FAQs
When was the Samoa rugby team founded?
Rugby was introduced to Samoa in the 1890s. However, it took many years for a governing body to form, and the Western Samoa team didn’t play in their first international until 1924, when they were defeated 0-6 by Fiji.
What is the Samoa rugby team’s biggest win?
Samoa’s biggest win came in 2009. They defeated Papua New Guinea 115-7 in Apia.
What is the Samoa rugby team’s biggest defeat?
Samoa suffered their biggest defeat in 2009, when they were defeated 101-14 by New Zealand in Hamilton.
Have Samoa ever appeared at the Rugby World Cup?
Yes, Samoa have appeared at nine editions of the Rugby World Cup. They reached the quarter-final stage of the competition in both 1991 and 1995.
Who is Samoa's record appearance maker?
Brian Lima is Samoa’s most-capped player. He made 65 appearances for his country between 1991 and 2007.
Who has scored the most tries for Samoa?
Brian Lima has scored the most points for Samoa. He scored 29 tries for Samoa across 65 matches between 1991 and 2007.
Who has scored the most points for Samoa?
Tusi Pisi has scored the most points for Samoa. He amassed 245 points for his country in 42 matches between 2011 and 2019.
