Samoa Rugby World Cup Squad 2023
Samoa is one of the popular Rugby Loving nations. The country has regularly participated in the Rugby World Cup since 1991, and the team has consistently produced some exciting rugby talents.
This article will share the Samoa Rugby World Cup 2023 team squad, player list, history, past performances and more.
Samoa Rugby World Cup Squad (Final Roster)
The Samoa Rugby World Cup squad for 2023 has been announced, with 32 players named and one yet to be declared.
Coached by Seilala Mapusua, the squad has Michael Alaalatoa and Chris Vui as co-captains.
Among the notable inclusions in the squad are three former All Blacks – Lima Sopoaga, Steven Luatua, and Charlie Faumuina – as well as Christian Lealiifano, who represented the Wallabies at the previous World Cup in Japan.
Here is the complete list of players for the Samoa Rugby team in the RWC 2023:
| Player | Position | Age | Caps | Club/province |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seilala Lam | Hooker | 34 | 23 | France Perpignan |
| Sama Malolo | Hooker | 25 | 2 | United States San Diego Legion |
| Luteru Tolai | Hooker | 25 | 3 | New Zealand Moana Pasifika |
| Michael Ala’alatoa (c) | Prop | 31 | 14 | Ireland Leinster |
| Paul Alo-Emile | Prop | 31 | 20 | France Stade Français |
| Charlie Faumuina | Prop | 36 | 3 | France Toulouse |
| Jordan Lay | Prop | 30 | 25 | New Zealand Blues |
| Brian Alainu’uese | Lock | 29 | 5 | France Toulon |
| Theo McFarland | Lock | 27 | 7 | England Saracens |
| Sam Slade | Lock | 25 | 4 | New Zealand Moana Pasifika |
| Chris Vui (c) | Lock | 30 | 26 | England Bristol Bears |
| Miracle Faiʻilagi | Flanker | 23 | 2 | New Zealand Moana Pasifika |
| Steve Luatua | Flanker | 32 | 2 | England Bristol Bears |
| Alamanda Motuga | Flanker | 27 | 5 | New Zealand Moana Pasifika |
| Taleni Seu | Flanker | 29 | 5 | Japan Toyota Shuttles |
| Jordan Taufua | Flanker | 31 | 5 | France Lyon |
| So’otala Fa’aso’o | Number 8 | 28 | 1 | France Perpignan |
| Fritz Lee | Number 8 | 34 | 7 | France Clermont |
| Ere Enari | Scrum-half | 26 | 6 | New Zealand Moana Pasifika |
| Melani Matavao | Scrum-half | 27 | 13 | Unattached |
| Jonathan Taumateine | Scrum-half | 26 | 10 | New Zealand Moana Pasifika |
| Christian Leali’ifano | Fly-half | 35 | 3 | New Zealand Moana Pasifika |
| Lima Sopoaga | Fly-half | 32 | 0 | France Lyon |
| D’Angelo Leuila | Centre | 26 | 22 | New Zealand Moana Pasifika |
| Tumua Manu | Centre | 30 | 6 | France Pau |
| Duncan Paia’aua | Centre | 28 | 5 | France Toulon |
| UJ Seuteni | Centre | 29 | 11 | France La Rochelle |
| Nigel Ah Wong | Wing | 33 | 8 | Unattached |
| Ed Fidow | Wing | 29 | 18 | United States New York |
| Neria Fomai | Wing | 31 | 7 | New Zealand Moana Pasifika |
| Ben Lam | Wing | 32 | 0 | France Montpellier |
| Danny Toala | Fullback | 24 | 8 | New Zealand Moana Pasifika |
Also Check: Rugby World Cup 2023 Broadcaster list
Samoa Rugby World Cup History and Past Performance and Odds
Samoa has had a respectable history in the Rugby World Cup, though they have not won the tournament. Samoa first appeared in the World Cup in 1991 and reached the quarterfinals. They repeated this feat in 1995 but have yet to surpass the pool stages.
Samoa has had some memorable victories over top-tier teams regarding individual matches. For instance, they beat Wales in both the 1991 and 1999 tournaments. However, they’ve often been drawn into tough pools, limiting their progression in the tournament.
While Samoan rugby has produced many talented players, many of whom have played in top-level club competitions around the world, the national team has been hindered by challenges such as lack of funding and player availability.
As for the odds of Samoa winning the Rugby World Cup, they are usually considered an underdog. Their odds can vary depending on their form leading into the tournament, the strength of their squad, and the teams they are drawn against in the pool stage.
Despite long shots with 250/1 odds for the Rugby World Cup 2023, Samoa, with its talented squad and history of causing upsets, hopes to surpass expectations and perform impressively in the tournament.
