FILE PHOTOS : Scotland vs Manu Samoa
By Staff Writer
Scotland taking on the Manu Samoa at the Apia Park Stadium is one of the big rugby treats lined up for the home fans. this year
The international is one of the main attractions in the Lakapi Samoa tight Calendar in 15-aside rugby for 2025.
Tonga is coming too as well as Fiji.
“Scotland is touring us in July followed by Tonga,” recently appointed Lakapi Samoa Chief Executive Officer, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun disclosed.
Fiji is up against the Manu Samoa in a home away match for the Pacific Nations Cup, PNC.
The 6-nations PNC championship is played in two pools with Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in Pool A and Japan, Canada and the USA in Pool B.
A game away to play Tonga and the US in the PNC tournament are among the internationals for the Manu Samoa outside home base.
The major international outing for the home side, however, is the November tour of Europe to wrap up the year.
“This is also a critical year for the Manu Samoa to qualify for the 2027 World Cup and a better placing at the end of the PNC will make that possible,” Seumanu stressed.
Since the recent resignation by Manu Samoa coach Coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger, the priority is finding a replacement.
Budget funding remains the main challenge for Lakapi Samoa in putting the Manu Samoa together from a pool of both overseas and local players.
Funding commitments are in the millions of tala not just for the full 15 men rugby but 7-a-side rugby as well.
Women’s rugby are also establishing a dominating presence in the international scene with recent successes by the Manu Sina.
The women are already qualified for the Women’s 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
The Manu Sina 7’s also made headlines in the international scene for the year ended 2024.