PNC history

Number of tournaments: 16
Best finish: Champions (2010, 2012, 2014, 2022)
Most points in a match: 53 (53-9 v Japan, June 2006)
Biggest win: 47 (50-3 v Tonga, June 2007)

Did you know...? The 1990s were a hugely successful period in Samoan rugby. It’s well known that – then known as Western Samoa and led by the late Papali’itele Peter Fatialofa – they beat both Wales and Argentina en route to the quarter-finals of their first Rugby World Cup in 1991, where they lost to Scotland. They again reached the quarter-finals in 1995, losing this time to eventual champions South Africa, and then repeated their pool phase victory over Wales in 1999, only to lose a round-of-16 play-off against Scotland.

Current form

World Ranking: 13
Form: LWWWL

PNC pool matches

23 August: Tonga v Samoa – Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa
6 September: Samoa v Fiji – Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua, New Zealand

Key team facts

Kit colour: Blue and white

Nickname: Manu Samoa – “Manu” is said to refer to a mythical Samoan warrior.

Known for: Their pre-match cultural challenge, the Siva Tau, which was first used in 1991, and their no-compromise tackling.

Head Coach: Lemalu Tusiata Pisi

Former international captain Tusi Pisi helped now-Top 14 establishment side Toulon win promotion to the French top flight in 2009 during a much-travelled playing career in which he played for clubs in New Zealand, France, Italy, England and Japan. 

He played 42 times for Samoa, and went to three Rugby World Cups, in 2011, 2015 and 2019 before transitioning into coaching on his retirement in 2021. He was appointed backs and skills coach for the national team ahead of Rugby World Cup 2023, and graduated to the hotseat after Mahonri Schwalger resigned in early 2025.

In brief

PNC 2025 is a crucial tournament for Samoa, who are looking to maintain their proud record of qualifying for every Rugby World Cup since their first appearance in 1991. The competition’s format is in their favour – but Samoa will also want to finish higher than the third place they managed in 2024.

Key player: Theo McFarland

Samoa – and rugby – have legend Muliagatele Brian Lima, then coach of the national sevens side, to thank for persuading 1.98m basketball player McFarland to give rugby a serious go in 2019. Two years later, he was called up to the senior national side for the first time, and earned his first test cap against Tonga. He is now Samoa captain, and it’s his job to corral a squad long on talent and passion but short on international experience.

Legend: Muliagatele Brian Lima

Nicknamed ‘The Chiropractor’ because of his powerful tackling, Lima playered at five Rugby World Cups for Manu Samoa. He remains Samoa’s top try scorer with 31, 29 of them in tests, and their most-capped player (64), and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011.

Squad

Samoa are missing a number of key players – including prop Kaynan Siteine-Tua, back-row Jonah Mau’u, fly-half Jacob Umaga, midfielder Duncan Paia’aua, and full-back Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong – who featured in the July test defeat against Scotland, their only outing so far this year.

As a result, the squad for PNC 2025 is short on experience – scrum-half Melani Matavao’s 22 internationals make him the most experienced player on the squad, while four players – loose-head Jarred Adams, tight-head Bradley Amituanai, scrum-half Joel Lam, and outside back Theo Steffany could all make their international debuts.

Forwards

Jarred Adams, Michael Ala’alatoa, Bradley Amituanai, Pita Anae-Ah Sue, Michael Curry, Marco Fepulea’i, Niko Jones, Iakopo Mapu, Theo McFarland (captain), Ben Nee-Nee, Ray Niuia, Olajuwon Noa, Aki Seiuli, Taleni Seu, Sam Slade, Luteru Tolai

Backs

AJ Alatimu, Elisapeta Alofipo, Tomaso Alosio, Rodney Iona, Joel Lam, Melani Matavao, Melani Nanai, Theo Steffany, Henry Taefu, Tuna Tuitama, Connor Tupai, Lolagi Visinia

They say: “Like the cherished ’ie toga, our PNC campaign weaves together the individual threads of Manu Samoa. Each unique strand – every player, supporter, and voice – strengthens the whole. Many threads, one purpose, United we stand.” – Head coach, Lemalu Tusi Pisi

“The Pacific Nations Cup carries extra significance this year as it serves as our pathway to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027. This is more than a tournament; it is our chance to secure Samoa’s place on rugby’s biggest stage. United we stand, ready to give our all for our jersey, our families, and our nation.” – Lakapi Samoa CEO, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun