At a special farewell dinner in the country’s capital, Apia, Lakapi Samoa has named its squad of 32 to represent the country at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
The tournament gets underway on Friday, 22 August when hosts England take on USA in Sunderland. and Samoa are then involved in the tournament’s second match against Australia in Manchester (Salford) on Saturday, 23 August.
Samoa qualified for this Rugby World Cup courtesy of their second place finish in World Rugby’s global WXV 3 competition.
Having last competed in a Rugby World Cup in 2014, all 32 Samoan players are set to make their tournament debut in England. While some still have strong experience, coach Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino has also selected with an eye to the future.
“I’m very proud of these players who worked so hard to earn their place in the squad,” said Tomokino, who has assembled the squad in camp in Samoa for the past week.
Long time captain Sui Pauaraisa added: “I am thrilled to lead this team of passionate women and we will do our best to represent our beloved Samoa.”
Samoa line up in Pool A and face opening matches against Australia in Manchester on 23 August, then hosts and world number one side England in Northampton on 30 August, and USA in York on 6 September.
Samoa squad
Ana AFUIE
Denise AIOLUPOTEA
Glory AIONO SAMUELU
Utumalama ATONIO
Lutia COL AUMUA
Michelle CURRY
Drenna FALANIKO
Joanna FANENE LOLO
Linda FIAFIA
Avau FILIMAUA
Nina Maria FOAESE
Tori IOSEFO
Madisen Jade IVA
Davina LASINI
Saelua LEAULA
Cathy (Lulu) LEUTA
Fa’asua MAKISI
Ana MAMEA
Faith NONUTUNU
Christabelle ONESEMO
Demielle ONESEMO
Taytana PATI AH CHEUNG
Keilamarita POURI LANE
Sinead RYDER
Melina SALALE
Ana-Lise SIO
Masuisuimatamaalii TAUASA PAUARAISA
Ti TAUASOSI
Jennifer (JayJay) TAYLOR
Faalua TUGAGA
Harmony VATAU
Karla WRIGHT-AKELI