RWC 2027 Samoa Qualification Tournament Guide

Summary of the Manu Samoa Team & coaching Staff (as of November 2024/early 2025)

Here’s a breakdown of⁢ the information provided about the Manu Samoa rugby team:

Head Coach: Tusi Pisi (former‍ captain with 42 international caps and 3 RWC‍ appearances)

*⁤ Coaching History: Assistant⁢ coach for the last two years (including Pacific Nations Cup 2024 & RWC 2023).Previously assistant coach at Toyota Industries‍ Shuttles Rugby Aichi, Japan (since 2021). Served as co-coach in 2021 and backs/skills ‍coach preparing for RWC 2023.
* Recent Record: ⁢Currently on ⁢a losing streak as ⁤becoming head coach. Hasn’t won a match,with the⁣ closest result being a 32-32 draw ‍against Chile. Last win was September 2024 against USA in Japan.

Team Overview:

* ⁢ Pedigree: ⁢ A strong rugby nation with ⁤9 Rugby World Cup ⁢appearances, including two⁤ quarter-final runs.
* ⁤ ⁣ Current Situation: ⁤ Their presence in the Final Qualification Tournament (FQT) in Dubai is ⁣considered⁢ a surprise given their historical strength.
* Squad Quality: Possesses a squad of experienced players who have played at a ⁢high level globally, but recent form is poor.
* Ranking: Highest ranked team in the FQT.

key Player: Theo McFarland ⁤(Captain)

*⁢ Unique ⁤Background: Dual ⁣international – represented Samoa in ‍both rugby and⁣ basketball.
* Current Club: saracens (England) ⁤- over 50 appearances.
* International Experience: Debuted in 2021,⁤ played every ⁣minute of RWC 2023, and was named Player of the Match against Chile.
* Recent Success: Captained Samoa to a victory over Italy in 2024 – their frist win against a Six Nations/Rugby Championship team in nine years.

Legend: Peter “Fats” Fatilofa

* Hall of Fame: World‍ Rugby Hall of Fame Inductee.
* Captaincy: ‍Led Samoa to a historic‍ victory over Wales in their RWC debut (1991) and to quarter-final appearances in both 1991 and 1995.
* Influence: A hugely influential role model for⁣ Polynesian players.