Publshed 5pm. Updated 5.45pm Reinforcements have been called upon for Manu Samoa’s last ditch effort to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The final qualification tournament will be held in Dubai where Samoa will face off against Paraguay, Namibia and Belgium for the last remaining spot in the RWC.
Manu Samoa Head Coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi has brought in some big names ahead of the qualifiers.
Samoa’s captain Theodore McFarland will rejoin the side after suffering a knee injury during the Pacific Nations Cup.
The forward pack will be delighted to have McFarland back but it doesn’t stop there with Miracle Fai’ilagi rejoining the frame after an outstanding NPC season with the Hawks Bay Magpies.
Former Australian prop Scott Sio has completed his three year stand down and will dawn the blue jersey for the first time.
Scott Sio is the son of David Sio, who played for Samoa at the 1991 RWC. He has suited up for Australia 74 times and is currently playing for the Exeter Chiefs since 2022.
In the backline sees the return of Jonathan Taumateine in the half back room, adding some veteran experience to the steering of the Samoan ship.
On this ship will be the potential debut of Va’afauese Apelu Maliko. The local hero has been a standout for Suresnois Rugby Club in France since he arrived in 2023.
Maliko has made a name for himself on the 7’s circuit and is known as one of the hardest people to tackle one on one.
Faletoi Peni is another potential debutant who has absolutely deserved his call up into the national side. Peni has been in the form of his life for some time now and is rewarded with an inclusion in Lemalu’s side.
Faletoi currently plays his code for the Southland Staggs where he led them to a Ranfurly Shield victory this season. This comes after Peni helped lead the New England Freejacks to a MLR championship earlier this year.
With this squad Samoa are now the heavy favourites to qualify for the 2027 RWC.
All or nothing 🇼🇸
Our final qualifying tournament for a spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia kicks off in Dubai next month.
🗓️ November 8 – vs Brasil 🇧🇷
🗓️ November 13 – vs Namibia 🇳🇦
🗓️ November 18 – vs Belgium 🇧🇪
Samoa’s first match is against Brazil on November 8th. (Thank you Eva Mai for catching that).
- John Tafi Wins Samoa’s First Medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games - July 28, 2026
- Brian To’o Dropped by Laurie Daley for State of Origin Decider - June 29, 2026
- Faatamaalii Jenny Lauano Appointed New CEO of Education and Culture - April 2, 2026
