Son of All Blacks legend and Jacob Umaga receive Test call-ups as 11 uncapped players named in Manu Samoa squad
Tusi Pisi has named his squad ahead of the July international against Scotland.
New Manu Samoa head coach Tusi Pisi has named his first squad ahead of the 2025 international season, which includes 11 potential debutants.
Samoa will face off against Scotland at Eden Park on July 18 before their Pacific Nations Cup campaign in August and September.
Samoa squad
Theo McFarland has been confirmed as the captain of the side that contains players from clubs from seven different countries.
Former England fly-half Jacob Umaga earns a call-up to the squad and is set to follow in his father’s footsteps, Mike Umaga, who earned 13 Test caps for Manu Samoa and represented the country at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Umaga earned his only cap for England under Eddie Jones against the USA four years ago and qualifies for Samoa through World Rugby’s birthright transfer.
Meanwhile, Niko Jones is also in line for a debut on the international stage as the son of All Blacks great Michael Jones is also one of the 11 uncapped players in the squad.
The 24-year-old has represented Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific and Auckland in the NPC, as well as San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby.
His father, Michael, played one game for Western Samoa back in 1986 before earning 55 caps for the All Blacks between 1987 and 1998, winning the Rugby World Cup with New Zealand in 1987.
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Ex-Northampton Saints scrum-half Connor Tupai is another uncapped player in the squad who plies their trade in the USA.
“I have chosen warriors who understand the weight of the jersey,” head coach Pisi said.
“Our selection blends experience with fresh talent – players, who rise to the challenge of representing our people.
“With our first Test against Scotland, we respect them, but we play for Samoa. And with the Pacific Nations Cup, it becomes our battlefield for World Cup qualification where every tackle, every scrum, and every point is a step towards Australia 2027.”
Following the clash against Scotland, Samoa kick off the Pacific Nations Cup against Tonga, which is followed by a meeting with Fiji.
The tournament then progresses to the knockout stages, which will be hosted in the USA.
Samoa squad for 2025
Forwards: Aki Seiuli, Titi Lamositele, Kaynan Siteine-Tua*, Luteru Tolai, Pita Anae-Ah Sue*, Leif Schwencke*, Michael Alaalatoa, Marco Fepulea’i, Tietie Tuimauga, Bradley Soo Amituanai*, Samuel Slade, Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee, Michael Curry, Theo McFarland (c), Olajuwon Noa, Jonah Mau’u, Taleni Seu, Niko Jones*
Backs: Malaesaili Elato*, Iakopo Mapu, Melani Matavao, Connor Tupai*, Joel Lam*, Jacob Umaga*, Rodney Iona, Duncan Paia’aua, Alai D’Angelo Leuila, Henry Taefu, Melani Nanai, Afa Moleli, Taunuu Niulevaea*, Tuna Tuitama, Elisapeta Alofipo, Tomasi Alosio, Latrell Ah Kiong*
*Denotes uncapped players
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