Pacific Island Squad announced

Coach Pat Lam has announced a 28 man squad for the Pacific Islanders games against Wales, Scotland and Ireland in November.

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. Deacon Manu (Fiji)
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. Henry Tuilagi (Samoa)
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, 9 Fijians and 7 Tongans 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 team will assemble in London on the 29 October. They will play a warm up game against the Harlequins Rugby Club on November 1st before the first test match of the tour, 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.