Samoa name squad for November tests

Newly-appointed Manu Samoa coach Steve Jackson has named a 31-man squad for their three-match November international tour. Samoa will play against the USA at the neutral venue of San Sebastián, Georgia in Tbilisi, and then Spain in Madrid.

Three uncapped players have been included in the squad. Tasman hooker Ray Niuia, North Harbour lock Ben Nee Nee, and Hawke’s Bay centre Stacey Ili. The trio have been handed an opportunity to press their claim for a spot at the World Cup next year.

There are notable recalls for 2015 World Cup forwards Filo Paulo and Faifili Levave. Clermont utility back Tim Nanai-Williams is back from a shoulder injury and D’Angelo Leuila has been selected from the Samoa ‘A’ squad from the Americas Pacific Challenge.

FORWARDS
Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Français, FR), Donald Brighouse (Otago, NZ), James Lay (Bay of Plenty, NZ), Jordan Lay (Bristol Bears, UK), Logovi’i Mulipola (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Hisa Sasagi (Otago, NZ), Manu Leiataua (Perpignan, FR), Motu Matu’u (London Irish, UK), Ray Niuia (Tasman, NZ), Brandon Nansen (Dragons, UK), Ben Nee Nee (North Harbour, NZ), Filo Paulo (London Irish, UK), Josh Tyrell (Doncaster Knights, UK), Piula Fa’asalele (Toulouse, FR), TJ Ioane (London Irish, UK), Jack Lam (Bristol Bears, UK), Faifili Levave (Northern United, NZ), Ofisa Treviranus (London Irish, UK)

BACKS
Pele Cowley (Suburbs, NZ), Melani Matavao (Otago, NZ), Dwayne Polataivao (Northcote, NZ), D’Angelo Leuila (Papatoetoe, NZ), Tusi Pisi (Bristol Bears, UK), Stacey Ili (Hawke’s Bay, NZ), Reynold Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues, UK), Henry Taefu (Western Force, AU), Ed Fidow (Provence, FR), Alapati Leiua (Bristol Bears, UK), Tim Nanai-Williams (Clermont Auvergne, FR), JJ Taulagi (Hawke’s Bay, NZ), Ahsee Tuala (Northampton Saints, UK)