Samoans who are playing in the 2023 Rugby World Cup

Samoa is known for its rich rugby heritage, and Samoan rugby players have made significant contributions to the sport at both the domestic and international levels. In fact, Samoa has produced many world-class rugby players over the years, including the likes of Peter Fatialofa, Pat Lam, and Tana Umaga, to name just a few. These players have helped to build a strong rugby culture in Samoa, which continues to produce talented rugby players to this day.

The Manu Samoa are currently ranked 11th in the world. Their highest Rugby World Cup finish was the Quarter-finals play-off in 1999. With the success of the Toa Samoa in the 2022 RLWC, we are praying for continued success for our Manu Samoa this year.

Samoa Rugby World Cup squad 2023

• Nigel Ah wong (centre, Moana Pasifika)
• Michael Alaalatoa (prop, Leinster)
• Brian Alainu’uese (lock, Toulon)
• Paul Alo-Emile (prop, Stade Français)
• Ereatara Enari (scrum-half, Moana Pasifika)
• So’otala Fa’aso’o (back-row, unattached)
• Miracle Fai’ilagi (lock, Moana Pasifika)
• Charlie Faumuina (prop, Toulouse)
• Ed Fidow (wing, Rugby New York Ironworkers)
• Neria Foma’i (wing, Moana Pasifika)
• Ben Lam (wing, Montpellier)
• Seilala Lam (hooker, Perpignan)
• Jordan Lay (prop, Blues)
• Christian Leali’ifano (fly-half/centre, Moana Pasifika)
• Fritz Lee (No 8, Clermont)
• Alai D’Angelo Leuila (fly-half, Moana Pasifika)
• Steven Luatua (back-row, Bristol Bears)
• Sama Malolo (hooker, San Diego Legion)
• Tumua Manu (centre, Pau)
• Melani Matavao (scrum-half, Samoa Sevens)
• Theo McFarland (lock, Saracens)
• Alamanda Motuga (back-row, Moana Pasifika)
• Duncan Paia’aua (centre, Toulon)
• Taleni Seu (back-row, Toyota)
• UJ Seuteni (centre, La Rochelle)
• Sam Slade (back-row, Moana Pasifika)
• Lima Sopoaga (fly-half, Shimizu Blue Sharks)
• Jordan Taufua (back-row, Lyon)
• Jonathan Taumateine (scrum-half, Moana Pasifika)
• Danny Toala (centre, Moana Pasifika)
• Luteru Tolai (hooker, Moana Pasifika)
• Chris Vui (lock, Bristol Bears)

While we are definitely cheering for our Manu Samoa, did you know we have other players in the rugby world cup who are of Samoan heritage? Well it is true! Here is a list of some of those players, so even if our Manu Samoa don’t make it to the finals we can cheer on our other Samoan players in the competition. Leave a comment telling me any Samoan players I may have missed.

• Uini Atonio (Forward, France)
• Rieko Ioane (Back, All Blacks)
• Caleb Clarke (Back, All Blacks)
• Mark Telea (Back, All Blacks)
• Ardie Savea (Forward, All Blacks)
• Dalton Papali’i (Forward, All Blacks)
• Nepo Laulala (Forward, All Blacks)
• Montana Ioane (Back, Italy)
• Bundee Aki (Back, Ireland)
• Jason Tomane (Back, Romania)
• Hinckley Vaovasa (Back, Romania)
• Jordan Petaia (Back, Wallabies)
• Jordan Uelese (Forward, Wallabies)
• Robert Leota (Forward, Wallabies)
• Will Skelton (Forward, Wallabies)
• Pone Fa’amausili (Forward, Wallabies)
• Manu Tuilagi (Back, England)

Why am I sharing the Samoans that are playing in the Rugby World Cup? Because regardless of who they are playing for, they are still of Samoan heritage and we support all Samoans. We don’t know the reasons why they play for another team. That is not our business. What we know is they have made a choice and we can still support them in their choice. What we know is they are still representing Samoa whatever team they play for because the Samoan bloodline is still there.

Tell us in the comments who your favourite Samoan player is this RWC.

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