24 Nov 2017

Sport: Manu Samoa feeling the pressure on and off the field

From , 4:00 pm on 24 November 2017

On and off field struggles are adding to the pressure on the Manu Samoa rugby team in the lead-up to this weekend's final test of the year against England.

The Manu are on a six match losing streak and changed coaches mid-season after failing to secure automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup.

The Samoa Rugby Union also declared itself bankrupt earlier this month - a claim later disputed by World Rugby.

Technical advisor John Schuster told Vinnie Wylie it's been a challenging period for the players and staff.

TJ Ioane is back in the starting line-up for Manu Samoa.

TJ Ioane is back in the starting line-up for Manu Samoa. Photo: AFP