27 July 2018 - Samoa's Under 20's Squad for the upcoming World Rugby Under 20 Trophy (formerly known as the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy) in Romania from the 24 August 2018 - 10 September 2018 has been named.
The team is comprised of players from Austalia, New Zealand, and Samoa.
"The selection was not easy at all. Before we went for our overseas trials, a group of 34 players were selected from the first trials for our local boys and they had been subjected to intense training for five weeks before their last trials on 24 July. Most of these boys played in the Super 9 and the exposure they got from the Super 9 has helped tremendously with their skill sets as well as their decision making when the going gets tough." La'auli Rudy Leavasa - Head Coach.
"We also had trials for our New Zealand based players on the 11 July, before we moved to Australia for their trials on the 16 July. All of them put up their hands for selection; unfortunately, we can only take 26 players." Laauli Rudy Leavasa.
Samoa was relegated to the Trophy this year after a disappointing 2017 World Rugby Under 20 Championship and hopes to qualify again for the Championship in Argentina 2019.
Samoa is in Pool A alongside Namibia, host nation Romania and Hong Kong.
Samoa U20 Trophy 2018 Team list
First Name | Surname | Country |
1. Timothy Junior | Lilomaiava | Australia |
2. AlbertLagitofaoletalalelei | Onelei | Samoa |
3. Willie | Leilua | Samoa |
4. Brandon Teason | Faavae-Eli | Australia |
5. Austin Maota | Faamausili | Australia |
6. Frank Oliver | Sio | Samoa |
7. Jenny | Taateo | Samoa |
8. Saini | Iese | Samoa |
9. Setefano Lilo | Leavasa | Australia |
10. Wesley Paerata | Patu | Samoa |
11. Iosefatu | Mareko | Samoa |
12. Joseph Maranata | Faleafaga | Samoa |
13. Sione Vaetoe | Young Yen | Samoa |
14. Aundrie Ponifasio | Alatina Vitale | Samoa |
15. Shammah-Anthony Leonard | Solomona | New Zealand |
16. Pupi | Ah See | Samoa |
17. Norman Letone | Uili | Samoa |
18. Fomai | Fomai | Samoa |
19. Simon Peter Joachim Sila | Toleafoa | New Zealand |
20. Pio | Paulo Fuiono | Samoa |
21. Frank | Vaesavali Tato | Samoa |
22. Sipaia Daniel | Fetu | Samoa |
23. Kelvin Tuiala | Masoe | Samoa |
24. Alexander Jorge Tanielu | Tavita | New Zealand |
25. Dave | Puleiala | Samoa |
26. Jimfarefy | Tupe | Samoa |
Management
1. Laauli Rudy Leavasa | Head Coach | Samoa |
2. Auimatagi Sapani Pomare | Assistant Coach | Samoa |
3. Stephen Betham | Technical Advisor | Samoa |
4. Simon Gareth Ronald Price | Strength and Condition Coach | Samoa |
5. Olivia Withers | Physiotherapist | Samoa |
6. Sebastian Paulo | Doctor | Samoa |
7. Rev. Onosa’i So’o Pua | Team Manager | Samoa |
Acknowledgement:
NZ Organizing Committee
- - Junior Polu
- - Filipo Levi
- - Douglas Sandy
- - Filipo Saena
- - Pasikale Faoagali
- - Tuu Nuualiitia
- - Ala Bucklich
- - Ramsey Tomokino
Australia Organizing Committee
- - Kolose Feaunati
- - Sala Salafai ma le faletua
- - Joseph Namulauulu