The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is about to kick off tomorrow with England vs USA, and a pacific showdown promised on Saturday as the other Pool A contestants Australia and Samoa battle it out. But who are the Samoan side, who haven’t appeared in a World Cup since 2014?

Who are the Manusina?

The Manusina Samoa is the nickname given the Samoan national women’s rugby team, which was formed in 2000. Since then, the team has participated in three Women’s Rugby World Cups – in 2002, 2006 and 2014. The 2025 tournament represents their first major international appearance in 11 years, after they qualified by finishing second in the WXV 3.

The team are currently ranked 15th in the world and are set to face a particularly tough group stage, as they have been put against world number one’s England, the USA and pacific neighbours Australia.

The under-dogs have brought important international attention to the fact that women’s rugby still exists in a challenging landscape for much of the world in the run up to the tournament’s start, as half of the squad have had to fundraise to cover costs whilst they are playing, as they do not have contracts.

Although the Women’s Rugby World Cup covers transportation and accommodations, the lack of contracts – unlike the majority of nations participating – has drawn attention to the varied playing field of athletes in the competition and need for further development.

The Samoan World Cup 2025 squad

Because the team has not played in the World Cup for the last 11 years, it will be a tournament debut for all 32 players. However, the Samoan side recently enjoyed incredible success at the Oceania Championship, emerging victorious for the first time ever and raising hopes about their ability to perform on the international stage.

Their warm-up matches have proved their indomitable spirit, although they will have to sharpen up their offensive play if they want to hold their own in Pool A as they lsot 50 – 22 to Australia, and 31 – 10 to Fiji in a friendly match.

Within the squad, there is a remarkable five players who will be earning tehir first internaitonl caps in England: centres Keilamarita Pouri-Lane and Madisen-Jade Iva, second rows Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa and JayJay Taylor, and hooker Faith Nonutunu.

However, the squad is also balanced with key experienced players, with Sui Tuauaua-Pauarausa being the most experienced player on the team with 24 caps, and back row Nina Foaese closely following with 23 caps.

One of the team’s golden girls though is bound to be back row Sinead Ryder, who grew up playing in New Zealand for Wellington. An incredibly talented and physical player, the 33 year old used to be Wellington’s preferred openside flanker, above the now Red Roses star Maddie Feaunati, and is sure to be very visible in the Samoan set up.

Full Samoa World Cup squad

Forwards:

Denise Aiolupotea, Glory Aiono, Utuma Iama Atonio, Joanna Fanene Lolo, Avau Filimaua, Nina Foaese, Tori Iosefo, Madisen-Jade Jamie Iva, Lulu Leuta, Ana Mamea, Faith Nonutunu, Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Christabelle Onosemo-Tuilaepa, Sui Pauaraisa, Sinead Ryder, Ana-Lise Sio, Ti Tauasosi, JayJay Taylor

Backs:

Ana Afuie, Lutia Col Aumua, Michelle Curry, Drena Falaniko, Linda Fiafia, Davina Lasini, Saelua Leaula, Fa’asua Makisi, Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung, Keilamarita Pouri-Lane, Melina Grace Salale, Faalua Tugaga, Harmony Vatau, Karla Wright-Akeli

Where to watch Samoa?

Samoa will face Australia in the first of their group matches at Salford Community Centre in Manchester on Saturday, August 23. Their match kicks off at midday and will be streamed and available on catchup on BBC.

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