Samoa confirm 38-man squad for Pacific Nations Cup

Samoa head coach Steve Jackson has named a 38-man squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup that will kick-off in Apia next month.

Prop Alofaaga Sao, flanker Tofatuimoana Solia and wing Johnny Vaili have been included after impressing in the Super 9 competition.

Also included in the squad for the first time are lock Senio Toleafoa, number eight Afa Amosa and UJ Seuteni along with former Manu sevens flyer Belgium Tuatagaloa and Western Force flanker Henry Stowers.

"I've watched it over the last couple of weeks, the semis and the final and previously a couple of round robin fixtures as well and the quality of rugby over here in that Super 9 competition is quite outstanding," said Jackson.

"I think it's probably one of the better finals I've seen for a long long time, in terms of club, that I witnessed on the weekend and out of the semi finals we picked up a prop in Alofaaga Sao - he's only 21 and he's got a bright future in the game.

"We can always look at New Zealand and Australia and other clubs around the world but I think we've got the same sort of quality players here and it's just about us now as a coach and a management group giving them the tools so they can be as good as they possibly can be, not only in the PNC but the Rugby World Cup and beyond."

Samoa will kick-off the tournament with a clash against Tonga on 27th July and will follow up with the encounters against USA and Fiji on 3rd and 10th August respectively.

Samoa squad:

Forwards:

Seilala Lam, Raymond Niuia, Elia Elia, Motu Matuu, James Lay, Jordan Lay, Hisa Sasagi, Paul Alo-Emile, Logovii Mulipola, Alofaaga Sao, Kane Leaupepe, Chris Vui, Senio Toleafoa, Teofilo Paulo, Jack Lam, Faifili Leavave, Henry Stowers, Piula Faasalele, Afaesetiti Amosa, Tofatuimoana Solia.

Backs:

Dwayne Polataivao, Peleifofoga Cowley, Auvasa Falealii, AJ Alatimu, Ulupano Seuteni, Kieron Fonotia, Henry Taefu, Alapati Leiua, Reynold Lee Lo, Ahsee Tuala, JJ Taulagi, Johnny Vailim, Belgium Tuatagaloa