Two time winners Samoa have named their 28-man squad for next month’s World Rugby U20 Trophy in Nairobi.
Head Coach Galumalemana Rudolf Moors has included Malakesi Masefau and Paul Stanley who debuted in the World Rugby Sevens Series this past season.
Junior Manu Samoa qualified after two hugely competitive matches against host nation Tonga at the Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa, Tonga to win the Oceania Rugby U20 Trophy.
Tonga took the first game 20-19 but an 8-5 victory in the second leg ensured the Junior Manu Samoa squad booked their ticket to Kenya, 27-25 on aggregate, where they will hope to maintain their proud record in the competition,
In three previous appearances at the World Rugby U20 Trophy, Samoa have won it twice, in 2011 and 2016, and were runners-up on the other occasion in 2018.
Samoa are in Pool B alongside hosts Kenya, Spain and Hong Kong China.
Junior Manu Samoa squad to Nairobi
Forwards: Carlos Langkilde, Konefesi Siliga Tupai, Robert Junior Robertson, Lua Tuala Prichard, Ale Fuataga, Royce Umutaua, Alex Lui Tafili, Pesaleli Faiga, John Samuelu, Faauiga Tanumoa, Maea Tema –Schimdt, Peter Tuala, Malesina Lautala Aumua, Malesaili Elato, Tagilima Ripine, Chris Suitulaga
Backs: Faalava Toetu Tuamasaga, Bless Perese – Elliot, Filoalii Reti, Afa Moleli, Roger Tualaulelei, Kelekolio Mealelei, Visesio Amituanai, Malakesi Puna Masefau, Bitner Tafili, Wally Tau Vesi, Paul Dartenion Stanley, William Hunt
World Rugby U20 Trophy, Nyayo National Stadium
Match Day 1 | Saturday 15 July 2023
Scotland v Zimbabwe | 10.00am
Samoa v Kenya | 12.00pm
Uruguay v USA | 2.00pm
Spain v Hong Kong China | 4.00pm
Match Day 2 | Thursday 20 July 2023
Samoa v Hong Kong China | 10.00am
Uruguay v Zimbabwe | 12.00pm
Scotland v USA | 2.00pm
Spain v Kenya | 4.00pm
Match Day 3 | Tuesday 25 July 2023
USA v Zimbabwe | 10.00am
Kenya v Hong Kong China | 12.00pm
Spain v Samoa | 2.00pm
Scotland v Uruguay | 4.00pm
Match Day 4 | Sunday 30 July 2023
Group A 4th v Group B 4th | 10.00am
Group A 3rd v Group B 3rd | 12.00pm
Group A 2nd v Group B 2nd | 2.00pm
Group A 1st v Group B 1st | 4.00pm
Story Courtesy/KRU
