Samoa national rugby league team
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The Samoa national rugby league team represents
Samoa Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa; sm, Sāmoa, and until 1997 known as Western Samoa, is a Polynesian island country consisting of two main islands (Savai'i and Upolu); two smaller, inhabited islands (Manono Island, Manono an ...
in
rugby league Rugby league football, commonly known as just rugby league and sometimes football, footy, rugby or league, is a full-contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular field measuring 68 metres (75 yards) wide and 112 ...
football and has participated in international competition since 1986. Known as Western Samoa before 1997, the team is administered by
Rugby League Samoa Rugby League Samoa are the governing body for rugby league in Samoa. They are based in the capital Apia, the League has suffered financially due to member leagues not paying affiliation fees. History They were founded in 1949 and have been member ...
and are nicknamed Toa Samoa (
English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...
: ''Samoan Warriors'').


Current roster

The Samoa national team for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.


History

Western Samoa has participated in the
Pacific Cup The Pacific Cup was a rugby league football competition for national teams from the Pacific region. History The Pacific Cup was started in 1975 by Keith Gittoes of the New South Wales Rugby League.Super League The Super League (officially known as the Betfred Super League due to sponsorship from Betfred and legally known as Super League Europe), is the top-level of the British rugby league system. At present the league consists of twelve teams, of wh ...
World Nines (1996, 1997),
World Cup A world cup is a global sporting competition in which the participant entities – usually international teams or individuals representing their countries – compete for the title of world champion. The event most associated with the concept i ...
(since 1995) and Pacific Rim (2004) competitions.


Early years

Western Samoa made their debut in the 1986 Pacific Cup. Joe Raymond coached this side to a final where they went down to a strong NZ Maori side. Joe Raymond went on to coach them again in 1988 and would return again to coach them 10 years later in 1998 in a one-off game against a Samoan team of Samoan resident players at Carlaw park. William John "Swanny" Stowers and his wife Lyndsay Stowers operated Samoa Rugby League out of their North Shore home in Auckland and from the Richmond Rugby League Club house where Lyndsay ran the canteen. This resilient couple were known to have put a mortgage on their home to assist with funding the thirty (30) men representing Samoa in the Pacific Cup held in Tonga, 1990. This commitment lead to a historical win over the Maori team for the first time and a win in the 1990 Pacific Cup. Coached by the
Richmond Bulldogs The Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club is a rugby league club based in Grey Lynn, New Zealand. The premier team is called the Richmond Bulldogs and compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. Early history The club was formed in ...
Head Coach, Steve Aigai. Samoa then won the 1992 Pacific Cup over Tonga in an action filled thriller that went into two (2) overtimes and sent the NZ Rugby League and Polynesian rugby league public into a frenzy. The 1992 Tournament showcased all of NZ Rugby league talent and Australian Rugby league scouts were already booked to witness the 1994 Pacific Cup held in Fiji. In 1993 Western Samoa were invited to the International Coca-Cola Sevens in Sydney. With Auckland based Samoan players such as
Mark Elia Mark Wycliffe Elia (born 25 December 1962)ELIA, Mark Wycliffe 1985 - 89 - Kiwi ...
,
Tony Tuimavave Antonio (Tony) Emil Tuimavave is a Samoan former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s, who was the head coach of the Ponsonby Ponies from 2010, primarily as a also as a . He was nicknamed The Chief because he ...
,
Tony Tatupu Kuripitone "Tony" Tatupu is a former professional rugby league footballer. He played as a and in the and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa. Tatupu is the uncle of the rugby league footballer; Matthew Wright. Playing career Tatup ...
, Faausu Afoa and
Des Maea Des Maea (born 22 March 1969) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. He played for the Sheffield Eagles in 1993 and in 1994 returned to New Zealand to play for the Counties Manukau Heroes in the Lion Red Cup where he play ...
followed by a group of up and coming players such as Matthew FuaSamoa, Lionel Perera, Aleki Maea,
Paki Tuimavave Paki Tuimavave is a Samoan former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He played at representative level for Western Samoa, and at club level for Waitakere City and North Harbour, as a . Background Also see '' ...
,
Joe Vagana Joseph Sonny Vagana (born 21 January 1975), also known by the nickname of "Big Joe", is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a Prop forward in the 1990s and 2000s. During his career Vagana played for the Auckland Warriors, ...
, Sefo Fuimaono and Peter Lima, the team beat the
Canberra Raiders The Canberra Raiders are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They have competed in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby ...
and the Great Britain International team. Coached by the
Richmond Bulldogs The Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club is a rugby league club based in Grey Lynn, New Zealand. The premier team is called the Richmond Bulldogs and compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. Early history The club was formed in ...
' Head Coach Steve Aigai, this team gave Samoa the status to create the strong foundation Western Samoa Rugby League needed to move forward. Below this strong foundation however was the strength and commitment of two people: Swanny and Lyndsay Stowers. These two held together the concept of Samoa Rugby League and without their dream, Samoa RL will not be where it is today. Steve Aigai in his sixth year as the Samoan Coach had an array of NZ based quality players for the 1994 Pacific Cup with the likes of
Se'e Solomona Maseese (Se'e) David Solomona (born 9 March 1965) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa. Background Solomona was born in New Zealand. Playing career Solomona started his ...
,
Tony Tatupu Kuripitone "Tony" Tatupu is a former professional rugby league footballer. He played as a and in the and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa. Tatupu is the uncle of the rugby league footballer; Matthew Wright. Playing career Tatup ...
, the Tuimavave brothers Paki and
Tony Tony may refer to: People and fictional characters * Tony (given name), including a list of people and fictional characters * Gregory Tony (born 1978), American law enforcement officer * Motu Tony (born 1981), New Zealand international rugby leagu ...
plus the loyal players of
Mike Setefano Mike Setefano is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup. Playing career Setefano played for the Auckland City Vulcans in the 1994 Lion Red Cup, and toured New Zealand with Western Samoa ...
, Matthew FuaSamoa, Alex Tupou and
Mark Faumuina Mark Faumuina (born 2 October 1971) is a former Western Samoa international rugby league footballer. Playing career An Otahuhu Leopards junior, Faumuina represented Auckland, playing for the Under 17's in 1987 and the under 18's in 1991. In 199 ...
. Henry Suluvale and Rudy David led the contingent of first class players from Canterbury however this arsenal were well contained by the Tongan stars Jim Dymock, John Hopoate, Solomon Haumono and Albert Fulivai.


Late 1990s

The 1995 Samoan team had the benefit of ex-
All Blacks The New Zealand national rugby union team, commonly known as the All Blacks ( mi, Ōpango), represents New Zealand in men's international rugby union, which is considered the country's national sport. The team won the Rugby World Cup in 1987, ...
John Schuster Nesetorio Jonny Schuster (born 17 January 1964) is a former international rugby league and rugby union player, a dual-code international. Schuster played for Marists Saint-Joseph, then six times for Samoa before leaving for New Zealand in 1 ...
and
Va'aiga Tuigamala Va'aiga Lealuga Tuigamala Pulelua Fesola'i (4 September 1969 – 24 February 2022), sometimes known as Inga Tuigamala, was a professional rugby union and rugby league footballer. Born in Samoa, he represented New Zealand in rugby union, winnin ...
in their backline. When
rugby union Rugby union, commonly known simply as rugby, is a close-contact team sport that originated at Rugby School in the first half of the 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand. In its m ...
went openly professional players such as
Apollo Perelini Apollo Perelini (born 16 July 1969) is a former dual-code international rugby union and rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s, and has coached in the 2000s and 2010s. He played representative rugby union (RU) for New Zeal ...
and Fereti Tuilagi left rugby league to return to the 15-man game. Samoa lost the Pacific Cup in 1996. The 1998 Pacific Cup team saw a new and old talent. Joe Raymond, one of the first Samoan Rugby League Rep coaches returned after coaching Tonga and the NZ Maori, the late Eddie Poching managed the team and the introduction of
Francis Meli Francis Meli (born 27 April 1979) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. A Samoa and New Zealand international representative centre or winger, he played in the National Rugby League for New ...
to Samoan Rugby League and Junior Papalii a loyal American Samoan Representative. Pati Tuimavave from the 1992 squad and Matthew TuiSamoa, the only survivor from 1990 Pacific Cup champion team returned. Samoa battled Tonga for the 1998 Pacific Cup again at Carlaw park and again Samoa regained the Pacific Champions Title.


2000s

The Pacific Cup was taken to Australia's Gold Coast in 2000 where Auckland coach John Ackland took over the reins. Ackland added another dimension to Samoa Rugby League in selecting rising stars Itikeri Samani a Canberra and Goulburn Stockmen Junior who previously represented American Samoa and Wayne McDade from the New Zealand Warriors while bringing back Matthew FuaSamoa into the Pacific Cup arena.


2000 Rugby League World Cup campaign

Samoa took on
Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
,
Scotland Scotland (, ) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the ...
, and the Aotearoa Māori in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup pool stages. They would lose to 'the Irish' in their opening game, but they'd beat NZ Maori, and Scotland in their next two games, sealing a place in the knock-out stages. They would take on
Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
in the quarter-final. Unfortunately, they ended their tournament with a thrashing 66–10 defeat (their biggest defeat up to date), sealing an end to a respectable World Cup Campaign.


2008 Rugby League World Cup campaign

Samoa played in the Pacific Pool of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers. They beat
the Cook Islands ) , image_map = Cook Islands on the globe (small islands magnified) (Polynesia centered).svg , capital = Avarua , coordinates = , largest_city = Avarua , official_languages = , lan ...
and
Fiji Fiji ( , ,; fj, Viti, ; Fiji Hindi: फ़िजी, ''Fijī''), officially the Republic of Fiji, is an island country in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about north-northeast of New Zealand. Fiji consists ...
, but lost to
Tonga Tonga (, ; ), officially the Kingdom of Tonga ( to, Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻo Tonga), is a Polynesian country and archipelago. The country has 171 islands – of which 45 are inhabited. Its total surface area is about , scattered over in ...
. On a points difference, Samoa came in third and had to play
USA The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...
in the Repecharge Semi Final. Samoa won this match 42–10 and then played
Lebanon Lebanon ( , ar, لُبْنَان, translit=lubnān, ), officially the Republic of Lebanon () or the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is located between Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus li ...
on 14 November 2007 in the Repecharge Final to see who would take the 10th and final World Cup place. Samoa came out eventual winners of the 10th and final 2008 Rugby League World Cup place beating
Lebanon Lebanon ( , ar, لُبْنَان, translit=lubnān, ), officially the Republic of Lebanon () or the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is located between Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus li ...
38–16 at the Chris Moyles Stadium, Featherstone. For the 2008 Rugby League World Cup tournament Samoa's main jersey sponsor was the
Samoa International Finance Authority Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa; sm, Sāmoa, and until 1997 known as Western Samoa, is a Polynesian island country consisting of two main islands ( Savai'i and Upolu); two smaller, inhabited islands ( Manono and Apolima); ...
. Samoa took on
Tonga Tonga (, ; ), officially the Kingdom of Tonga ( to, Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻo Tonga), is a Polynesian country and archipelago. The country has 171 islands – of which 45 are inhabited. Its total surface area is about , scattered over in ...
and
Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
in the Tournament's pool stages. They beat their Pacific rivals 20–12, but they then lost to the Irish by 34–16. This big losing margin, sent the Samoans into battle against the French in the Tournament's 9th place play-off. Samoa easily won, winning 42–10 and capping off an undesirable World Cup Tournament.


2013 Pacific Rugby League Test

In April 2013, Samoa took on
Tonga Tonga (, ; ), officially the Kingdom of Tonga ( to, Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻo Tonga), is a Polynesian country and archipelago. The country has 171 islands – of which 45 are inhabited. Its total surface area is about , scattered over in ...
in the '2013 Pacific Rugby League Test' at
Penrith Stadium Penrith Stadium (known commercially as BlueBet Stadium) is a rugby league and association football stadium located in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. The 22,500 capacity venue is the home ground for the Penrith Panthers who play in the N ...
. The International was created as a
World Cup A world cup is a global sporting competition in which the participant entities – usually international teams or individuals representing their countries – compete for the title of world champion. The event most associated with the concept i ...
warm-up match. Tonga targeted Samoa's weak defence, and it paid off, thrashing the Toa Samoans by 36–4.


Matt Parish era (2013– Present )

Australian Matt Parish was appointed head coach ahead of the 2013 World Cup. In the group stage, Samoa lost to 42–24, and defeated 38–4 and 22–6. They lost the quarter-final to 22–4. In May 2014, Samoa defeated 32–16 in a one-off Test match to qualify for the 2014 Four Nations. In the Four Nations, Samoa was the fourth nation and the underdogs against rugby league's three big heavyweight nations England, New Zealand and Australia. But they proved that they were anything but underdogs, losing to England by six points in a sea-sawing battle, and they were within four minutes of creating rugby league history by beating New Zealand. By the final round, Samoa still had a chance to qualify for the final, making this Four Nations the toughest ever. This Samoan performance added credential to the rugby league game showing that the game is not all about the big three. An annual series against was proposed to run likewise to Australia's
State of Origin series The State of Origin series is an annual best-of-three rugby league series between two Australian state representative sides, the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons. Referred to as “Australian sport's greatest rivalry”, the ...
. In May 2015, Samoa took on
Tonga Tonga (, ; ), officially the Kingdom of Tonga ( to, Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻo Tonga), is a Polynesian country and archipelago. The country has 171 islands – of which 45 are inhabited. Its total surface area is about , scattered over in ...
. The game was an absolute thriller with the lead alternating between the teams and the biggest margin throughout the match was only 6 points. Samoa won 18–16. The following year, in May 2016, Samoa defeated Tonga 18–12. Samoa were winless at the 2017 World Cup, losing 38–8 to and 32–18 , and drawing 14–14 with . However, due to the tournament structure, they advanced to the knock-out stage thanks to the draw. In the quarter-final, Samoa lost 46–0 to defending champions . Former rugby league players
Reni Maitua Reni Maitua (born 11 June 1982) is a former professional rugby league footballer. An Australian and Samoan International representative player, he previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, with whom he won the 2004 NRL Premiers ...
and
Willie Mason Viliami William Marshall Mason (born 15 April 1980), also nicknamed "Big Willie", is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s. An Australia and Tonga international and New South Wales State of Origin rep ...
were heavily critical of the team after the tournament, claiming the players were staying up late at night and had no respect for coach Matt Parish. In February 2021, it was reported that 34 current and former Samoan players had co-signed a letter to Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi requesting for Parish to be removed as coach, citing a lack of professionalism and success. Parish responded by claiming the players were coerced to sign the letter. In May 2021,
Andrew Johns Andrew Gary Johns (born 19 May 1974) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in rugby league history. Johns captained the Newcas ...
,
Matthew Johns Matthew James Johns (born 27 July 1971) is an Australian rugby league media personality, commentator and former professional player. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative , Johns played his club footbal ...
and
Sonny Bill Williams Sonny Bill Williams (born 3 August 1985) is a New Zealand heavyweight boxer, and a former professional rugby league and rugby union player and as of recently is working for Stan Sports. He is only the List of dual-code rugby internationals#New ...
voiced interest to jointly coach Samoa at the 2021 World Cup.
Rugby League Samoa Rugby League Samoa are the governing body for rugby league in Samoa. They are based in the capital Apia, the League has suffered financially due to member leagues not paying affiliation fees. History They were founded in 1949 and have been member ...
affirmed Parish would remain as head coach for the tournament in a statement. NRL.com noted that Samoa has approximately 85 NRL players to choose from in 2021, more than is available for the successful n (60) and an (40) teams, however, according to reports, there are some players not willing to represent Samoa under the current coaching set-up. In October 2022, Samoa opened the Rugby League World Cup 2021 against host nation
England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe b ...
, despite high expectations for Samoa, due to high profile players such as
Penrith Panthers The Penrith Panthers are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith that competes in the NRL. The team is based west of the centre of Sydney, at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Penrit ...
premiership winning trio
Jarome Luai Jarome Luai (born 16 January 1997) is a international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL (National Rugby League). He won both the 2021 and the 2022 NRL Grand Finals with the Penrith club. He has repr ...
,
Brian To'o Brian To'o (born 18 August 1998) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a er for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL. He won both the 2021 and the 2022 NRL Grand Finals with the Panthers. He has represented the NSW Blues in ...
, and Stephen Crichton pledging allegiance to Samoa over
Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
, Samoa went on tho lose the match in embarrassing fashion, 60-6. Samoa rebounded from the loss in the competition opener with big wins over
Greece Greece,, or , romanized: ', officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the southern tip of the Balkans, and is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Greece shares land borders with ...
and
France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
, 72-4 and 62-4 respectively. Samoa qualified for the finals, coming second place in their pool behind England, and went on to face rivals Mate Ma'a Tonga in the quarter finals. Samoa would go on to win the match despite a late resurgence from Tonga to win 20-18, qualifying for their first ever world cup semi final. Samoa would face England in the semi final, who they lost their first match against. In a back and forth encounter, the scores were tied at 20-20 with less than 8 minutes to go in the match but Stephen Crichton would intercept a pass from
Victor Radley Victor Derrick Radley (born 14 March 1998) is an England international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL. He won back-to-back NRL premierships with the Roosters in 2018 and 2019. Background Radley was ...
running more than 60 metres to score a try to put Samoa ahead. Several minutes later, with just 3 minutes left in the match, England halfback George Williams broke Samoas defence and passed to Herbie Farnworth who would complete a 90 metre long try, taking the score to 26-24.
Tommy Makinson Tommy Makinson (born 10 October 1991) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a er for St Helens in the Betfred Super League and England at international level. He spent time on loan from St Helens at the Rochdale Horn ...
would then kick the conversion to tie the match. With the scores tied at 26-26, the match went to Golden Point, with England receiving the ball first. Jack Welsby made an error giving Samoa the ball, which would lead to an
Anthony Milford Anthony Milford (born 11 July 1994) is a Samoan international rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Dolphins in the NRL. He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby Le ...
field goal attempt but missed. England received the ball again but a
Sam Tomkins Sam Tomkins (born 23 March 1989) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a and occasional for the Catalans Dragons in the Betfred Super League and England at international level. He is the two time and current and r ...
error would give the ball back to Samoa once again and Stephen Chrichton kicked the field goal to win the match, 27-26. Sending Samoa to their first ever World Cup final against Australia, and just the fifth team to qualify for the final. (Great Britain, England, France, New Zealand)


Competitive Record


All-time record

Below is the head-to-head record for the Samoa as of 24 December 2020.


World Cup


Four Nations


Pacific Cup


Notable players and coaches

* John Ackland (World Cup 2008 Coach) *
Steve Kaiser Steve Kaiser is an American politician. He was a Republican member of the Arizona Senate in 2023. He previously served as state representative in Arizona's 15th district. He was elected to the seat after incumbent Republican John Allen decided ...
Coach 1990–1994 *
Steve Kaiser Steve Kaiser is an American politician. He was a Republican member of the Arizona Senate in 2023. He previously served as state representative in Arizona's 15th district. He was elected to the seat after incumbent Republican John Allen decided ...
1986 * Afi Ah Kuoi 1986 * Andrew Ah Kuoi 1986 * George Apelu 1986 * Fa'ausu Afoa circa-1995 * Wing Afoa 1990–1994 * Isaak Ah Mau circa-2006 * Leeson Ah Mau 2013-17 * Roy Asotasi circa-2013 *
Monty Betham La’auli Montgomery Junior "Monty" Betham (born 12 March 1978) is a professional boxer, and former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand international representative and , he played club football for the New Zealand Warriors i ...
circa-2000 *
George Carmont George Carmont (born 30 June 1978), also known by the nickname of "Chicken George" or "Gorgeous George", is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played as a for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League (NRL) and t ...
circa-2008 * Victors Charles Charlie circa-2008 *
Mark Elia Mark Wycliffe Elia (born 25 December 1962)ELIA, Mark Wycliffe 1985 - 89 - Kiwi ...
circa-1995 *
Henry Fa'afili Henry Fa'afili (born 30 May 1980) is a Samoan-born New Zealand former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. He played representative rugby league (RL) for New Zealand Secondary Schools, t ...
circa-2000 *
David Faiumu David Faiumu (born 30 April 1983) is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League. A Samoa and New Zealand international representative forward, he previously played in the Natio ...
circa-2008 * Max Fala circa-2000 *
Maika Felise Maika Felise is a Samoan former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. He represented Samoa in the 2000 World Cup. Playing career Felise played for Wainuiomata Lions in the Wellington Rugby League competition, ...
circa-2000 * Beau Gallagher circa-2000 *
Joe Galuvao Joe Galuvao (born 8 July 1978) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s in the NRL. A Samoa and New Zealand international second row forward, he played for the Auckland Warriors, Parramatta Eel ...
circa-2000 * Simon Geros circa-2000 *
Harrison Hansen Harrison Luther Mata'afa Hansen (born 26 October 1985) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a and for Toulouse Olympique in the Betfred Championship. He has played for Samoa and New Zealand at international level. He has al ...
circa-2008 *
Sam Kasiano Sam Kasiano (born 21 September 1990) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Warrington Wolves in Super League. He is both a New Zealand and Samoan international. Kasiano previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstow ...
circa-2015 * Lolani Koko circa-1995 * Vae Kololo circa-2000 *
Shane Laloata Shane Laloata (born 8 December 1977) is a professional rugby football player. He represented Samoa in rugby league. Rugby League career Playing career In 1999 Laloata was with the Newcastle Knights, and played in the NSWRL Premier League. He th ...
circa-2000 *
Ali Lauiti'iti Alaimatagi "Ali" Lauitiiti (born 13 July 1979) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, as a . Both a Samoa and New Zealand international representative forward, Lauitiiti played for the New Ze ...
circa-2008 *
Brian Laumatia Brian Laumatia is a former professional rugby league footballer who played for the Cronulla Sharks in the Super League in Australia. Playing career In 1994 he played for the Counties Manukau Heroes in the Lion Red Cup, and represented Auckland. ...
circa-1995 * Mark Leafa circa-2000 * Brian Leauma circa-2000 * Tuaalagi Lepupa circa-2008 *
Kylie Leuluai Kylie Leuluai (born 29 March 1978) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand Māori and Samoa international representative , he most notably played at club level for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. He ...
circa-2008 *
Danny Lima Danny Lima (born 27 July 1975) is a Samoan former professional rugby league footballer who played as a in the 1990s and 2000s. He was a Samoa international. Background Lima was born in Samoa. Playing career Lima played at club level in Austra ...
circa-2006 * Jeff Lima circa-2006 * Jamahl Lolesi circa-2000 *
Graham Lowe Sir Graham Michael Lowe is the owner of the Bradford Bulls together with fellow New Zealander Andrew Chalmers. He is a New Zealand former rugby league football coach and administrator. He previously coached in Australia and England and was the ...
(World Cup 1995 coach) * Chan Ly circa-2006 *
Des Maea Des Maea (born 22 March 1969) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. He played for the Sheffield Eagles in 1993 and in 1994 returned to New Zealand to play for the Counties Manukau Heroes in the Lion Red Cup where he play ...
circa-1995 *
Hutch Maiava Hutch Maiava (born 26 October 1976) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the NRL as a . He previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Hull F.C. Playin ...
circa-2006 * Gus Maietoa-Brown circa-1995 * Vila Matautia circa-1995 * Rusty Matua 1990 * Chris Magele 1998–2000 * Wayne McDade circa-2008 * Robert Moimoi 1986 *
Francis Meli Francis Meli (born 27 April 1979) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. A Samoa and New Zealand international representative centre or winger, he played in the National Rugby League for New ...
circa-2000/2008 * Laloa Milford circa-2000 *
Paul Okesene Paul Okesene () (14 November 1967 – 15 September 2012) was a Samoan rugby league footballer who represented both Western Samoa and American Samoa. Background His brother, Hitro, also played international rugby league. Playing career A Manuk ...
1986 * Lafu Papalii 1986–1990 * Junior Purcell 1998 *
Sam Panapa Samuel Lameko Panapa is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He represented three countries in his career: Tokelau, New Zealand and Western Samoa. Panapa played his club football in Aucklan ...
circa-1995 * Matt Parish (World Cup 2013 coach) & (World Cup 2017 coach) & (World Cup 2021/22 coach) *
Joseph Paulo Joseph Paulo (born 2 January 1988) is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played as a and for Toulouse Olympique in the Betfred Championship. He has played for both Samoa and the United States at international level. He pr ...
circa-2008 *
Apollo Perelini Apollo Perelini (born 16 July 1969) is a former dual-code international rugby union and rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s, and has coached in the 2000s and 2010s. He played representative rugby union (RU) for New Zeal ...
circa-1995 * Fred Petersen circa-2000 * Robert Piva circa-1995 *
Willie Poching Willie Poching is a New Zealand professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the former head-coach of Wakefield Trinity in the Super League. When he was appointed head coach of Wakefield, he became the first Samoan head co ...
circa-1995/2000 (World Cup 2000 Captain) * Steve Price Coach 2010–2013 *
Frank Pritchard Frank Semu Pritchard (born 3 November 1983), also known by the nicknames "Cranky" and "Frank the Tank", is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented New Zealand and Samoa at international level. A , he played in the Nationa ...
circa-2014/2017 (World Cup 2017 Captain) *
Frank Puletua Frank Puletua (born 8 May 1978) is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. A , he played his club football in the National Rugby League for Australian clubs the Penrith Panthers and the Sout ...
circa-2000/2008 *
Tony Puletua Anthony Puletua (born 25 June 1979), also known by the nickname of "TP", is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League. A New Zealand and Samoan international, Puletua previou ...
circa-2008/2013 * Ben Roberts circa-2008/2013/2014 * Tangi Ropati circa-2008 * Tea Ropati circa-1995 * Smith Samau circa-2008 * Itikeri Samani circa-2008 *
John Schuster Nesetorio Jonny Schuster (born 17 January 1964) is a former international rugby league and rugby union player, a dual-code international. Schuster played for Marists Saint-Joseph, then six times for Samoa before leaving for New Zealand in 1 ...
circa-1995 (World Cup 1995 Captain) *
Mike Setefano Mike Setefano is a former Samoa international rugby league footballer who played at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup. Playing career Setefano played for the Auckland City Vulcans in the 1994 Lion Red Cup, and toured New Zealand with Western Samoa ...
circa-1995 * Dave Sefuufa 1986 * Lagi Setu circa-2008 * Jerry Seu Seu circa-2000 * Terrence Seu Seu circa-2008 *
Iosia Soliola Iosia Soliola (born 4 August 1986) is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Canberra Raiders in the National Rugby League (NRL). He played for New Zealand and Samoa at international level. He previously played as ...
circa-2013 (World Cup 2013 Captain) * David Solomona circa-2000/2008 *
Malo Solomona Malofou Solomona (born 10 May 1987) is a former Samoa national rugby league team, Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays on the for the Point Chevalier Pirates in the Auckland Rugby League. Background Solomona was born in Auckl ...
circa-2006 *
Se'e Solomona Maseese (Se'e) David Solomona (born 9 March 1965) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa. Background Solomona was born in New Zealand. Playing career Solomona started his ...
circa-1995 * Fou Solomona 1986 * Miguel Start circa-2006 * Shannon Stowers circa-2006 * Henry Suluvale circa-1995 * Anthony Swann circa-2000 *
Willie Swann Willie Swann (born 1974) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer and coach of Samoan heritage. He currently coaches the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup. He is a former Samoa international and vice-captain. He a ...
circa-1995/2000 * Keneti Taogaga 1986–1990 *
Willie Talau Viliamu "Willie" Talau (born 25 January 1976) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A Samoa and New Zealand international representative , he played in the National Rugby League (NRL) for the Canterb ...
circa-2008 * Albert "Alby" Talipeau circa-2000/2008 *
Tony Tatupu Kuripitone "Tony" Tatupu is a former professional rugby league footballer. He played as a and in the and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa. Tatupu is the uncle of the rugby league footballer; Matthew Wright. Playing career Tatup ...
circa-1995/2000 * McConkie Tauasa circa-2006 * Misi Taulapapa circa-2008 * Ben Te'o circa-2008 * Junior Tia-Kilifi circa-2006 * Alex Tupou 1990–1994 *
Va'aiga Tuigamala Va'aiga Lealuga Tuigamala Pulelua Fesola'i (4 September 1969 – 24 February 2022), sometimes known as Inga Tuigamala, was a professional rugby union and rugby league footballer. Born in Samoa, he represented New Zealand in rugby union, winnin ...
circa-1995 *
Paddy Tuimavave Paddy Tuimavave is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a in the 1980s and 1990s and represented both New Zealand and Western Samoa. Background He is related to Evarn and Tony, who have both also played for the New Zea ...
circa-1992 *
Paki Tuimavave Paki Tuimavave is a Samoan former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He played at representative level for Western Samoa, and at club level for Waitakere City and North Harbour, as a . Background Also see '' ...
circa-1990s *
Tony Tuimavave Antonio (Tony) Emil Tuimavave is a Samoan former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s, who was the head coach of the Ponsonby Ponies from 2010, primarily as a also as a . He was nicknamed The Chief because he ...
1990–1995 * Matthew TuiSamoa 1990–2000 * Tupu Ulufale circa-2008 * Matt Utai circa-2008 *
Earl Va'a Earl Va'a (born 1 May 1972)
Scrum.com
is a former
Chris Vaefaga circa-2006 *
Joe Vagana Joseph Sonny Vagana (born 21 January 1975), also known by the nickname of "Big Joe", is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a Prop forward in the 1990s and 2000s. During his career Vagana played for the Auckland Warriors, ...
circa-1995 *
Nigel Vagana Nigel Faletoese Vagana (born 7 February 1975), also known by the nicknames of "Pablo", and "Chiko", is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s, as a and . A New Zealand and Samoa international represen ...
circa-1995/2008 (World Cup 2008 Captain) *
Gray Viane Gray Viane (born 19 May 1982) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s. Early life Viane was born in Ōtāhuhu, New Zealand. Viane played junior rugby league for the Leumeah Wolves and Liverpool Catholic Club ...
circa-2006 * Darrell Williams (World Cup 2000 coach) * Vincent Winterstein 1990–1994 *
Frank Winterstein Frank Winterstein (born 17 December 1986) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a forward for Toulouse Olympique in the Betfred Championship. Winterstein previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Manly-W ...
circa-2006 * Joe Raymond Coach 1986 Pacific Cup & 1988


Kit

Samoa's kit consists of a blue jersey with usually a white V on the chest, paired with blue shorts and socks.


Kit suppliers

Since 2021, Samoa's kits are currently supplied by Classic Sportswear. Former suppliers were FI-TA (2013-2021), SAS (2006–2013), SportM (1995–2000), Zeus (1992–1995) and Adidas (1990–1992).


Sponsors

The current sponsors are Pacifcast. Former sponsors were DB Bitter (1992–1996),
Yazaki is a global automotive parts supplier with a focus on wire harnesses, instruments and components such as connectors and terminals. The company's origin and headquarters are in Japan, but in 2011, roughly 90% of its employees were outside the home ...
(Rugby League World Cup 2000), SIFA.WS (2008–2015), Investsamoa.ws, and Vailima.


See also

*
Rugby league in Samoa Rugby league is a popular team sport in Samoa. History The Western Samoan national team was formed to enter the 1986 Pacific Cup. During the Super League war, Samoa joined the News Corp-backed Super League in June 1995. National teams The me ...
* Samoa national rugby league team results *
Samoa women's national rugby league team The Samoa women's national rugby league team, also known as the Fetū Samoa (means Samoa Stars), represents Samoa in Women's rugby league. They are administered by the Rugby League Samoa. Fetu Samoa has made appearances at the 2003 and 2008 W ...


References


External links


Official site of Rugby League Samoa
{{DEFAULTSORT:Samoa National Rugby League Team Men's sport in Samoa National rugby league teams Rugby league in Samoa Rugby League Four Nations Pacific Rugby League International