The Junior Manu Samoa have a lot to prove as they gear up for the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024 in Scotland in July.

Samoa finished fourth last year when they were walloped 83-10 by Scotland. Ironically, the team finds itself in the same pool as Scotland and their first game is against the Scots.

Unlike other tournaments, Samoa has to ensure a top of the pool finish to make the final. The winner of the tournament is promoted to the top tier competition, the U20 World Cup.

After a rigorous trial process on Saturday, the team was narrowed down to 36 players from more than 50 players who trialed.

Junior Manu Samoa head coach Mailo Potumoe Leavasa said the selection process has seen a mix of local and overseas talent vying for a spot in the squad. 

Notably, 10 players from overseas, including eight from New Zealand and two from Australia, have been selected to join the team, the rest made up of local players on the island.

“It was good to see not only the overseas players but also the locals put their hands up. They want to be part of the Junior Manu Samoa campaign in Scotland,” said Mailo.

The head coach acknowledged the sacrifices the overseas recruits have made to join the Junior Manu Samoa squad as they continue to narrow down numbers to the final team. 

“Now we have selected 36 players to focus on these three weeks and hopefully looking at two games before narrowing the squad to 28. And that 28 will represent Junior Manu Samoa in Scotland.”

The campaign's coaching and management team is also taking shape, with six management members, including the head coach and assistant coach, confirmed for the trip to Scotland. Additionally, a new coach for the backs, Fanolua Fanolua, has been brought in to replace Leaupepe Alesana Tuilagi for the upcoming tournament.

Aiden Fepuleai, a 19-year-old rugby player from Auckland, New Zealand, with roots in Alagamagoto, recently discussed his training experiences with the under-20s team. Fepuleai credited his club coach in New Zealand for guiding him and several other players to this opportunity. He also mentioned the adjustment to different weather conditions, emphasising the challenges of training in a hotter climate compared to overseas.

“I think the coach is definitely pushing us past our limits and seeing how far we can get mentally. And yeah, just getting us ready for, you know, if we make the 28, go to Scotland,” said Fepuleai.

Additionally, he spoke about the support from his cousin, who provided guidance and familiarity during training sessions.

Another challenge Fepuleai mentioned was training as an “afakasi” and the language barrier.

“I understand quite a little bit, speak a little bit. So, I think that's a work on for me but definitely can be done, ” added Fepuleai.

Spencer Ioelu, from Melbourne, Australia, has seized the chance to train with the Samoan rugby team. Hailing from the villages of Sinamoga, Safotu, and Vaipu’a Ioelu showcased his skills while playing for Moana Pasifika in the Oceania competition earlier this year, which ultimately led to this exciting opportunity.

“I thought that I'd just take it, you know, you only get an opportunity like this once in a lifetime,” said Ioelu.

Despite the team’s ongoing cuts, Ioelu remains focused and motivated to make it through the selection process.

“I can't be too satisfied with making the first cut yet because I've still got to make a second cut. It's just keeping me working - me wanting to be selected, it's just keeping me on my toes.”

The final squad of 28 players will be confirmed in the coming weeks, with the first game scheduled for 2 July against Scotland, followed by matches against Japan and Hong Kong.