Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua, born on February 27, 1980, is a retired Samoan rugby player who had a successful career playing for various teams around the world. He last played for the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League. Currently, he serves as the head coach of Manu Samoa, the Samoan national team, a position he assumed in 2020.
Mapusua was born in Moto'otua, Samoa but grew up in Wellington, New Zealand. He attended Wesley College in Auckland before joining Otago for the 2000 provincial season. His impressive performances for Otago caught the attention of the Highlanders, and he earned a contract with the team for the 2002 Super 12 season. Mapusua remained a key player for both Otago and the Highlanders until 2006, becoming only the fifth back to have played over 50 games for the Highlanders.
In 2006, Mapusua made the move to England and joined London Irish in the Guinness Premiership. He quickly established himself as a top player for the side, making an immediate impact and scoring four tries in 22 matches. In the 2008-09 season, Mapusua had an exceptional year, scoring nine tries in 27 matches and leading London Irish to the Premiership final. His outstanding performances earned him the PRA Players' Player of the Season award.
Mapusua continued to be a regular starter for London Irish until 2011, accumulating a total of 125 appearances for the team, including 91 Premiership matches and 23 Heineken Cup contests. In January 2011, he announced his signing with the Kubota Spears in Japan for the 2011-12 season.
At the international level, Mapusua made his debut for Samoa against Japan in June 2006. He represented Samoa in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups and was also selected to play for the touring Pacific Islanders team on three occasions. He scored his two test tries against Wales, once for the Pacific Islanders in November 2006 and once for Samoa in November 2009 at the Millennium Stadium.
After retiring from playing in 2016, Mapusua transitioned into coaching. He worked as a Coaching Development Officer for Otago Rugby in New Zealand. In August 2020, he was appointed as the coach of Manu Samoa, taking on the responsibility of leading the national team. In December 2020, he was granted the title of Vaovasamanaia in recognition of his contributions to Samoan rugby.
KG(05/07/2023)
Career
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Highlanders Inside Centre |
2002 - 2006 |
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Otago Inside Centre |
2000 - 2006 |
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London Irish Inside Centre |
2006 - 2011 |
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Samoa Head Coach |
2020 - 2024 |
