16 August 2025, Apia, Samoa – Lakapi Samoa has announced the Manu Samoa Squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) 2025. The tournament, which features the region’s top rugby nations, with Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji in Pool A and USA, Japan and Canada in Pool B.
The squad and management have assembled in NZ for a pre-tournament camp and the group has narrowed down to 28 players for the the PNC tournament total pool phase, before expanding to 30 players for the finals to be played in the US.
Manu Samoa’s first pool test match is against the Ikaletahi on 23 August at Teufaiva Park in Nuku’alofa then against the Flying Fijians on 6 September in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Following the pool games, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the Semi Finals, with winners progressing to the Finals.
This year’s Pacific Nations Cup also serves as the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifier for Samoa. To secure qualification, Manu Samoa must finish as the highest-ranked non-qualified team from the Oceania region.
“Like the cherished ‘ie toga, our PNC campaign weaves together the individual threads of Manu Samoa. Each unique strand – every player, supporter, and voice – strengthens the whole. Many threads, one purpose, United we stand,” said Head Coach, Lemalu Tusi Pisi.
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 – Manu Samoa Schedule
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Manu Samoa v Tonga – 23 August 2025 – Nuku‘alofa, Tonga
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Manu Samoa v Fiji – 6 September 2025 – Rotorua, New Zealand
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Semi Finals – 14 September 2025 – Denver, USA
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Finals – 20 September 2025 – Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Manu Samoa – PNC 2025 Squad:
1. Aki Seiuli – Pata, Falelatai & Sapunaoa – Utah Warriors, USA
2. Jarred Adams* – Lefagaoalii & Safune – Suburbs Rugby Club, Auckland, NZ
3. Luteru Tolai – Gagaifo, Lefaga & Aitutaki, Cook Islands – Biarritz, France
4. Pita Anae-Ah Sue – Faleasiu & Fasitoo Uta – Houston SaberCats, USA
5. Ray Niuia – Saipipi & Asau – Massey Rugby Club, Auckland, NZ
6. Michael Alaalatoa – Fasitoo Uta & Apia – ASM Clermont, France
7. Marco Fepulea’i – Matautu Uta & Alamagoto – Colomiers Rugby, France
8. Bradley Soo Amituanai * – Samata i Tai & Fasitoo Tai – Waratahs, Australia
9. Samuel Slade – Sapunaoa & Vailoa, Palauli – Moana Pasifika, NZ
10. Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee – Lalomanu & Salesatele – Seawaves, Japan
11. Michael Curry – Faatoia & Taufusi – Moana Pasifika, NZ
12. Olajuwon Noa – Vaiusu & Safotu – Seattle Seawolves, USA
13. Taleni Seu – Eva & Solosolo – Toyota Shokki Shuttles, Japan
14. Niko Jones – Moataa & Safune – Waitemata, NZ
15. Theodore McFarland (C) – Salelavalu & Moamoa – Saracens, UK
16. Iakopo Mapu – Faleula & Vaitele Fou – Stade Francais, France
17. Melani Matavao – Fasitoo Uta & Laulii – Moana Pasifika, NZ
18. Connor Tupa’i – Tuasivi & Sataua – San Diego Legion, USA
19. Joel Lam* – Alafua & Satupaitea – Burnside Rugby Football Club, NZ
20. Rodney Iona – Pata, Falelatai & Vaiafai, Iva – Seattle Seawolves, USA
21. AJ Alatimu – Vailima & Avao – Ardmore Marist Club, NZ
22. Henry Taefu – Samatau & Falelatai – Docomo Red Hurricanes, Japan
23. Melani Nanai – Falelatai & Papauta – Capilano, Canada
24. Tuna Tuitama – Mulifanua & Faleasiu – Moana Pasifika, NZ
25. Tomasi Alosio – Levi, Saleimoa & Falefa – Ardmore Marist Club, NZ
26. Elisapeta Alofipo – Saleaula & Salelologa – Hunter Wildfire Newcastle, Australia
27. Theodore Steffany * – Vaitele & Lotopa – Auckland Marist, NZ
28. Lolagi Visinia – Lufilufi & Afega – Suburbs Rugby Club, Auckland, NZ
* Denotes Potential Debutants
