Mauger new Samoa assistant

Editor

Soon-to-be Highlanders assistant Aaron Mauger has been revealed as Samoa’s new assistant coach ahead of the June internationals.

Head coach Alama Ieremia has chosen Mauger to be his right-hand man as Samoa gear up for a clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park on June 16, followed by a home Test against Wales and World Cup qualifying matches against Tonga and Fiji.

Mauger, who has recently returned from a stint as Leicester head coach, will become an assistant at the Highlanders next year and now has the Samoa job to add to an ever-expanding CV.

Meanwhile, Ieremia has named his 34-man squad for the Test matches, including eight uncapped players, among them Crusaders back Kieron Fonotia who is currently based in Wales.

The only current Super Rugby player selected is versatile Chiefs back Tim Nanai-Williams.

Ieremia described the All Blacks Test as the “opportunity of a lifetime” for his players, according to NZ Newswire.

“While Apia Park will always be our true home ground, the fact that we are playing at Eden Park presents an opportunity to call that ground our home away from home with all our supporters and families in Auckland and New Zealand,” he said.

Samoa squad

Backs: Kahn Fotuali’i, Auvasa Faleali’i, Dwayne Polataivao, Tusi Pisi, D’Angelo Leuila, Reynold Lee Lo, Kieron Fonotia, Alapati Leiua, Henry Taefu, Tila Mealoi, David Lemi, Albert Nikoro, Tim Nanai-Williams, Ahsee Tuala

Forwards: Censuc Johnston, Paul Alo Emile, Viliame Afatia, Nephi Leatigaga, Hisa Sasagi, Bronson Fotuali’i-Tauakipulu, Maatulimanu Leiataua, Elia Elia, Seilala Lam, Faatiga Lemalu, Chris Vui, Masalosalo Tutaia, Taiasina Tuifua, Piula Faasalele, Jack Lam, Alafoti Faosiliva, Faalemiga Selesele, Faifile Levave, Vaevae Tuilagi, Kelly Meafua