Eight new caps have been included in the Manu Samoa rugby squad for the upcoming internationals against the All Blacks, Wales, Tonga and Fiji.
France-based trio Paul Alo-Emile, Masalosalo Tutaia and Auvasa Faleali'i have been called up alongside Ospreys midfielder Kieron Fonotia, Queensland Reds centre Henry Taefu, Samoa 10s representative Bronson Fotuali'i-Tauakipulu, Sydney-based Kelly Meafou and Samoa sevens star Tila Mealoi.
Former Crusaders midfielder Kieron Fonotia has been called up by Manu Samoa. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Veteran first five Tusi Pisi is back in the squad, after missing November's European tour, and is one of five players based at English club Bristol - coached by former Samoa international Pat Lam - along with club captain Jack Lam, national skipper David Lemi, lock Chris Vui and utility back Alapati Leiua.
Manu Samoa head coach Namuluaulu Alama Ieremia said the squad represented a solid mix of experience and new and upcoming talent.
"We have some very experienced players in the squad, but we have also ensured we inject some new energy into this playing group," he said.
"Samoa Rugby has been going through a period of healthy change, and we believe we've picked a solid squad for the upcoming season."
Tila Mealoi playing for Samoa during the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens in February. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Logovi'i Mulipola, Sakaria Taulafo, Anthony Perenise, Motu Matu'u, Oneone Faafou, TJ Ioane and Winston Stanley were unavailable because of injury, while Paul Williams, Paul Perez and Na'ama Leleimalefaga were unavailable for personal reasons.
Manu Samoa kick off their 2017 schedule in less than three weeks against the All Blacks at Eden Park, as part of the "Pasifika Challenge" double-header that also features Tonga against Wales.
The Manu will then host Wales at Apia Park before two Rugby World Cup qualifying matches against Pacific rivals Tonga and Fiji.
"While Apia Park will always be our true home ground, the fact that we are playing at Eden Park presents an opportunity to call that ground our home away from home with all our supporters and families in Auckland and New Zealand," said Namulauulu.
Manu Samoa head coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia. Photo: Renee McKay/SRU
Aaron Mauger joins coaching staff
Former All Black midfielder Aaron Mauger has also joined the team as an assistant coach, after speaking with Namulauulu earlier in the year.
"I am very humbled and excited about this opportunity," he said.
"Manu Samoa Rugby has always had a strong place in my heart due to family bloodlines and I have always been a close follower and proud supporter of the team over the years.
"I feel very privileged to be able to join the team and help them through a very important period in Samoa Rugby.
"This team is a great fit for me and the timing is good. The opportunity to work alongside some good people in a team that has a rich culture and strong connections with its people appeals to me immensely," Mauger said.
Aaron Mauger (c) has joined Manu Samoa as an assistant coach. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Manu Samoa squad:
Forwards
Census Johnston (Racing 92, FRA) - Lalomanu, Falevao
Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Francais, FRA) - Leulumoega Tuai/Fasito'oTai/Falefa
Viliamu Afatia (Racing 92, FRA) - Vaiala, Saoluafata
Nephi Leatigaga (Piacenza, ITA) - Salelologa, Siumu
Hisa Sasagi (Otago, NZ) - Malie, Vaisala
Bronson Fotualii-Tauakipulu (Northshore, NZ) - Faleapuna
Maatulimanu Leiataua (Bayonne, FRA) - Manono, Safune
Elia Elia (Harlequins, UK) - Salelesi, Afega
Seilala Lam (Nevers, FRA) - Gaitaivai, Malie, Taga
Faatiga Lemalu (Saracens, UK) - Faleasiu, Lefaga
Chris Vui (Bristol, UK) - Foailuga, Lano, Saasaai
Masalosalo Tutaia (Pau, FRA) - Nofoalii, Matautu Lefaga
Taiasina Tuifua (Lyon, FRA) - Lauli'I, Sili
Piula Faasalele (Toulouse, FRA) - Magiagi, Nofoalii
Jack Lam (Bristol, UK) - Gaitaivai, Malie, Taga
Alafoti Faosiliva (Worcester, UK) - Afega, Tuanai
Faalemiga Selesele (Hawkes Bay, NZ) - Moataa, Satupaitea, Saleleloga
Faifili Levave (Mitsubishi, JPN) - Lalomanu, Fasitoo-Uta
Vavae Tuilagi (Carcassonne, FRA) - Fatausi, Fogapoa, Lalomalava
Kelly Meafua (West Harbour, AUST) - Lalomauga
Backs
Kahn Fotualii (Bath, UK) - Faleapuna
Auvasa Faleali'i (Nevers, FRA) - Letogo, Gagaifo
Dwayne Polataivao (Northcote, NZ) - Lefagaoalii, Nofoalii
Tusiata Pisi (Bristol, UK) - Lefaga, Safaatoa, Toamua
D'Angelo Leuila (Papatoetoe, NZ) - Gataivai, Fagalii
Reynold Lee Lo (Cardiff Blues, WLS) - Vailima, Magiagi, Satoalepai
Kieron Fonotia (Ospreys, WLS) - Apia
Alapati Leiua (Bristol, UK) - Malie
Henry Taefu (Queensland Reds, AUST) - Siufaga, Samatau Falelatai
Tila Mealoi (Apia, Aleipata, SAM) - Lalomanu Aleipata
David Lemi (Bristol, UK) - Captain - Iva, Levi
Albert Nikoro (West Scarborough, AUST) - Vaiala, Vaiusu
Tim Nanai Williams (Chiefs, NZ) - Manono, Falelatai
Ahsee Tuala (Northampton, UK) - Moamoa, Gataivai
Ken Pisi (Northampton, UK) - Lefaga, Safaatoa, Toamua
