Three former All Blacks in Samoa squad for Rugby World Cup

European based forwards Chris Vui and Michael Alaalatoa were named co-captains as Samoa on Sunday named three former All Blacks in their Rugby World Cup squad.

Bristol loose forward Vui and Leinster prop Alaalatoa were included in a 32-man squad for the tournament starting in France on September 9, with one player still to be confirmed.

Coach Seilala Mapuusa named three former New Zealand internationals – fly-half Lima Sopoaga, flanker Steven Luatua and prop Charlie Faumuina – while fly-half Christian Leali'ifano represented Australia at the 2019 World Cup.

Samoa open their campaign against Chile in Bordeaux on September 16, followed by matches against Argentina, Japan and England.

They reached the knockout phase in their first three World Cup appearances, in 1991, 1995 and 1999, but have failed to do so in the five subsequent tournaments.

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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