Manu Samoa Sevens Squad named for Oceania Seven’s Tournament

By Sina Sevaaetasi 11 November 2016, 12:00AM

The Manu Samoa Seven’s team kicks into gear for their first international tournament of the season.  

The squad is currently in Fiji to compete in the Oceania Sevens Tournament.  The two day tournament will commence today , the 11th -12th.  

Since Sir Gordon Tiejens contract takes effect next year, he will be missing this tournament and well as the first two legs of the H.S.B.C. Sevens World Series. 

Therefore, the responsibility of preparing the boys, both mentally and physically, for this tournament as well as the upcoming tournaments will rest upon the shoulders of Interim Head Coach, Stephen Betham.  

Betham commented on the heavy amount of preparations the team has made for this tournament. 

He stated, “like most of the other teams, we have been preparing for this tournament for the last eight weeks.

The boys have worked incredibly hard to get themselves into the best possible shape for this tournament and I commend them for this.”

He is currently working out the mechanics of the team and has fielded an interesting selection for this particular tournament.  He has taken this opportunity to blood new players amongst the experienced.  

The team includes veteran players such as Tila Mealoi, Samoa Toloa and Siaosi Asofolau. And also features up and coming  Manu Samoa star , Malu Falaniko.  

Oceania Sevens will also serve as a good platform for the boys to really showcase their talent before selections for the Dubai H.S.B.C. Sevens World Series, which will take place in December.  

 “This tournament will kick start the new season and players will be fighting for positions with the upcoming H.S.B.C. Sevens World Series,” he stated. 

“We are excited about the prospect of unveiling new talent and the Oceania Sevens will provide the opportunity for the squad to perform to earn selection into our final squad for the World Series.”

Manu Samoa Sevens Squad 

1. SIAOSI ASOFOLAU

2. FRANCIS IOKA SAUFOI

3. FILIPO UELI GORDON LANGKILDE

4. SILAO NONU TALIMAO

5. TOFATUIMOANA SOLIA

6. MALU FALANIKO

7. SONNY FERETI

8. LARRY HERMENS

9. LAALOI LEIUA

10. TILA MEALOI

11. PAUL ETI SLATER

12. SAMOA TOLOA

NON-PLAYING RESERVES

1. ETIUEFA FIAVAAI

2. LAFAELE TULIU VAA

MANAGEMENT

1. STEPHEN BETHAM Head Coach

2. ALAN DANIELSON Team Manager

3. AKBAR BHAMJI Physiotherapist

4. HUGH SLOBBE Trainer

 

By Sina Sevaaetasi 11 November 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>