The Manu Samoa got a hearty send-off on Monday morning as the public waved Samoan flags and wished them well at the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup (R.W.C.).

Local rugby fans had already lined the roadside awaiting the motorcade which left the Taumeasina Island Resort and did a drive-through Apia before heading to the Faleolo International Airport.

Two best friends, 19-year-old Charlie Afa and 13-year-old Ofa Sauleone from Leone were some of the first ones on the road waiting in front of Apia Park to see the boys in blue and to show off their decorated shopping cart dedicated to the Manu Samoa.

"We were at the last parade with our trolley and we're back here again to support the boys it's good that we're sending them off the right way," said Charlie.

While his mate Ofa talked of the importance of winning the game last Saturday against Tonga and giving them a send-off parade.

"We have been waiting here since early morning and we can't wait for the team to see our trolley. My favourite player has to be Melani (Matavao) and we wish him all the best in his next game," he said. 

The national team's motorcade drove through Apia as the V8 Car Club paraded through town one last time before they flew out of the country.

Manu Samoa Head Coach, Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua announced Samoa's R.W.C. 2023 Squad with a total of 32 confirmed names and one unconfirmed spot.

FORWARDS 

1. Michael Alaalatoa (Co-Captain) - Fasito’o-uta, Matatufu 

2. Brian Alainuuese - Satupaitea, Satuiatua 

3. Paul Alo-Emile - Falefa, Fasito’o-tai 

4. So’otala Fa’aso’o  - Savaia, Falelima 

5. Miracle Fai’ilagi - Vailele, Uafato 

6. Charlie Faumuina - Vaimoso, Gagaifo Lefaga 

7. Seilala Lam - Malie, Gataivai 

8. Jordan Lay - Safotu, Sasina 

9. Fritz Lee - Solosolo, Vailele  

10. Steven Luatua - Saleimoa, Malie 

11. Sama Malolo - Vaisala, Siusega 

12. Theodore McFarland - Moamoa, Salelologa 

13. Alamanda Motuga - Sataoa, Sa’anapu 

14. Taleni Seu - Solosolo, Eva 

15. Samuel Slade - Sapunaoa, Vailoa Palauli 

16. Sa Jordan Taufua - Salailua, Neiafu 

17. Luteru Tolai - Gagaifo Lefaga 

18. Chris Vui (Co-Captain) - Foailuga, Saasaai 

BACKS 

19. Nigel Ah Wong - Alafua, Vaiusu 

20. Ereatara Enari - Vaiala, Nofoalii  

21. Ed Fidow – Nofoalii, Paia 

22. Neria Foma’i - Magiagi, Lepuia’i Manono-Tai 

23. Ben Lam – Alafua, Auala  

24. Christian Leali’ifano - Magiagi, Letogo 

25. Alai D’Angelo Leuila - Gataivai, Fagalii 

26. Tumua Manu - Afega, Sasina 

27. Melani Matavao - Fasito’o-uta, Lauli’i 

28. Duncan Paia’aua - Satupaitea, Mutiatele  

29. Ulupano Junior Seuteni - Samusu, Malie 

30. Lima Sopoaga - Papa Sataua, Sa’anapu 

31. Jonathan Taumateine - Nofoalii, Satapuala 

32. Danny Toala - Lotofaga, Faleasiu  

33. To be confirmed