Manu Samoa stick to strong squad for Pacific Nations Cup

Manu Samoa have named a squad for the Pacific Nations Cup that will assemble on the 14th of July in Auckland from rugby clubs around the world.

Manu Samoa 7s player Johnny Vaili is one of three local Samoan players in the squad of 33, along with his teammate Tofatuimoana Solia and Savai’i Vikings tighthead prop Alofaaga Sao.

Head coach Vaeluaga Steve Jackson said the 24-year-old outside back Vaili thoroughly deserves his place based on the performances he put in over the 2019 World Rugby Sevens Series.

“He’s what, six foot five or six, he’s fast, and defends.”

Vaili and Solia will play for the Manu Samoa 7s at the Pacific Games tournament on the 12th and 13th of July, before flying to Auckland to join the 15s camp.

The squad also features four players from Global Rapid Rugby; Henry Stowers, AJ Alatimu and Henry Taefu from the Western Force and prop Hisa Sasagi who played for the Asia Pacific Dragons in April, and spent some time with the Blues in Super Rugby.

The rest of the squad play their rugby in New Zealand (three players), France (10) and the United Kingdom (13).