Samoa reveal 32-man Rugby World Cup squad including 3 ex-All Blacks

Manu Samoa have named their official 32-man Rugby World Cup squad for France, with one player yet to be named.

It’s argulable the strongest Samoa World Cup squad of the professional era, boasting several high profile former Tier 1 stars.

Bristol’s Chris Vui and Leinster’s Michael Alaalatoa were named co-captains of the squad, which also includes three former All Blacks in the shape of standoff Lima Sopoaga, flanker Steven Luatua and tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina. Former 1-cap All Black Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen is not listed in the squad, although there is still one place still up for grabs.

Former Wallaby playmaker Christian Leali’ifano is also included, as is former USA Eagles prop Titi Lamositele.

The squad also includes Jordan Taufua, Brian Alainu’uese, TieTie Tuimauga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Tumua Manu, Fritz Lee, Duncan Paia Aua, Paul Alo-Emile, Genesis Mamea Lemalu and UJ Senteni; all who currently play their rugby in France.

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Locked n Loaded
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Your Rugby World Cup Squad
#folaufaatasi #journeytorwc23 #manusamoa pic.twitter.com/McEP31YkPt

— Manu Samoa (@manusamoa) August 6, 2023

Samoa are set to play the Barbarians in Brive and Ireland in Bayonne in warm-ups matches later this month. They are in Pool D with England, Japan, Argentina and Chile.