AT THE MANU SAMOA COACHING HELM : New Manu Samoa Coach Lemalu Tusiata Pisi
By Staff Writer
Former Manu Samoa skipper, Lemalu Tusiata Pisi, is the new Manu Samoa Head Coach.
The Lakapi Samoa official announcement today 10 April 2025, is in the promotion from assistant to overall team coach.
Coach Lemalu boasts an impressive and distinguished playing career with 42 international caps, including three Rugby World Cup appearances.
He is one of the standout Manu Samoa at the international level, who played a winning role in numerous victories for the national side.
“I accept this role as Head Coach with humility, knowing that true strength lies not in one person, but in the unity of our people,”Coach Lemalu was quoted in a Lakapi Samoa media statement announcing his appointment.
“As the proverb says, ‘the tree and the canoe are bound as one.’
“ Together, we will carve our legacy with the same grit, faith, and fire that flows in the blood of our ancestors.”
Born on June 18, 1982, in Apia, Samoa, he began his rugby journey with North Harbour in New Zealand’s ITM Cup, later playing for Toulon in France and Suntory Sungoliath in Japan.
His Super Rugby tenure included stints with the Crusaders and the Hurricanes, highlighting his adaptability across various teams and playing styles.
Internationally, Lemalu debuted with the Pacific Islanders in 2006 and earned his first cap for Samoa in 2011 against Japan. Throughout his playing career, he accumulated 42 caps and scored 245 points for Samoa, participating in three (3) Rugby World Cup tournaments for Samoa.
Transitioning into coaching, Lemalu served as co-coach for Manu Samoa during their match against the Barbarians in 2021. He was appointed as Backs & Skills Coach for Manu Samoa in preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2023.
In 2024, he continued his role as Assistant Coach during the July Test Series and the Pacific Nations Cup.
He is currently Coaching with Toyota Industries Shuttles Rugby Aichi, Karira, Aichi, Japan since 2021.
Lemalu will begin his role immediately with the focus on the upcoming international fixtures, where Manu Samoa will take on Scotland in Eden Park on the 18th of July, followed by the Pacific Nations Cup 2025.