Pacific
Islanders Team Head Coach, Pat Lam has named a strong 28 man squad
for the team’s tour to Europe in November.
Selected by Pat Lam,
with the assistance of the three national coaches of Fiji (Wayne
Pivac), Tonga (Adam Leach) and Samoa (Michael Jones), the team is
made up of the best available players from the three nations.
The team is:
1. Justin Va'a (Samoa)
2. Taufa’ao Felise (Tonga)
3. Tevita Taumoepeau (Tonga)
4. Census Johnson (Samoa)
5. Aleki Lutui (Tonga)
6. Mahonri Schwagler (Samoa)
7. Simon Rawalui (Fiji) (Captain)
8. Daniel Leo (Samoa)
9. Maama Molitika (Tonga)
10. Isoa Domalailai (Fiji)
11. Epi Taione (Tonga)
12. Pila Vaki (Tonga)
13. Semo Setiti (Samoa)
14. Hale T Pole (Tonga)
15. Aca Ratouva (Fiji)
16. Nili Latu (Tonga)
17. Mosese Rauluni (Fiji)
18. Junior Polu (Samoa)
19. Seremaia Bai (Fiji)
20. Tasesa Lavea (Samoa)
21. Seilala Mapusua (Samoa)
22. Kameli Ratouva (Fiji)
23. Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa)
24. Lome Faatau (Samoa)
25. Rupeni Caucau (Fiji)
26. Alesana Tuilagi (Samoa)
27. Norman Ligari (Fiji)
28. Loki Crichton (Samoa)
The team is made up of
12 Samoans, 8 Fijians and 8 Tongan players.
Pat Lam said the team
is embarking on a historic tour and are looking forward to the challenge.”
“There are a lot
of experienced players in this team. I will be looking to these
players to provide leadership both on and off the field and to do
everything possible to make this tour a success,” said Lam.
The first test match
of the tour is against Wales on November 11.
Other matches on the
tour are against Scotland on November 18th and Ireland on November
26th.
PIRA CEO, Sakopo Lolohea
said the tour is a great opportunity to showcase Pacific Island’s
rugby in Europe.
“Our brand of rugby
is not seen enough in Europe and this opportunity will highlight
Pacific Island’s rugby to the European market show that we
can mix some of the best teams in the world, said Lolohea.
“I am also very
happy to announce our partnership with Cotton Traders to supply
the team gear for the tour”.”
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