Three New Zealand internationals are set to debut for Samoa after being named in a 30-man squad for next month’s Nations Cup Tests.
Former All Blacks Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane and Shaun Stevenson are among eight uncapped players selected for the three-match campaign in November.
Akira Ioane, who earned 21 Test caps for New Zealand, is included after playing for Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in Japan. Josh made one All Blacks appearance and is now with Connacht in the URC.
The one-cap Stevenson played for Kubota Spears last season after leaving the Chiefs.
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Samoa will open their campaign against Zimbabwe on 7 November before facing Portugal and Spain. The three opponents are also preparing for the 2027 World Cup.
Ex-All Blacks Sevens and Chiefs player Etene Nanai-Seturo is also in line for his Samoa debut, while Clermont midfielder AJ Lam has been selected after representing New Zealand at age-group level.
The squad also includes former Wallabies prop Scott Sio, who made his Samoa debut during the final World Cup qualifying tournament.
Samoa squad
Scott Sio, Aki Seiuli, Michael Alaalatoa, Marco Fepuleai, Tietie Tuimauga, Millennium Sanerivi, Sama Malolo, Richie Asiata, Ben Petaia Nee-Nee, Samuel Slade, Chris Gabriel, Theodore McFarland, Niko Jones, Alamanda Motuga, Miracle Faiilagi, Akira Ioane, Abraham Papali’i, Connor Tupai, Joel Lam, Efeso Tavita, Jacob Umaga, Josh Ioane, Irae Simone, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Duncan Paia’aua, Latrell Ah Kiong, AJ Lam, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson.
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The post Former All Blacks earn Samoa call-up appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Three New Zealand internationals are set to debut for Samoa after being named in a 30-man squad for next month’s Nations Cup Tests.
The post Former All Blacks earn Samoa call-up appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
