Former Wallabies prop Scott Sio has been named in the Manu Samoa squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai, where the Pacific side will face Namibia, Belgium, and Brazil for the final spot at the tournament in Australia.
The 74-Test veteran last played for Australia in September 2022 against New Zealand and recently became eligible to represent Samoa. He follows in the footsteps of his father, David Sio, who featured for the island nation at the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Notably, Scott was named after Scotland, Western Samoa’s quarterfinal opponents just three days after his birth during that tournament.
Saracens lock Theo McFarland will captain the squad, which includes a blend of international and domestic-based players. Among them are Abraham Papali’i and Jacob Umaga, nephew of former All Blacks captain and Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga.
Former Brumbies fly-half Rodney Iona returns to the side and is set to share playmaking duties with Duncan Paia’aua, who was part of the Wallabies squad in 2021. Moana Pasifika hooker Millennium Sanerivi is among several players in line for a potential Test debut, alongside Miracle Faiilagi, Lalomilo Lalomilo, and Jonathan Taumateine.
The Final Qualification Tournament will be played in November in Dubai, with the winner securing the last available berth at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Samoa Squad
Forwards: Scott Sio, Titi Lamositele, Jarred Adams, Michael Alaalatoa, Tietie Tuimauga, Sama Malolo, Luteru Tolai, Millennium Sanerivi, Theodore McFarland, Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee, Michael Curry, Taleni Seu, Alamanda Motuga, Nico Jones, Miracle Faiilagi, Iakopo Mapu, Abraham Papali’i
Backs: Connor Tupa’i, Joel Lam, Jonathan Taumateine, Jacob Umaga, Rodney Iona, Faletoi Peni, Tumua Manu, Melani Nanai, Duncan Paia’aua, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Latrell Ah Kiong, Tuna Tuitama, Vaafuese Apelu Maliko
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