The General Manager for the High-Performance Unit, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun, has explained the reasons behind the new names of the national teams of Samoa.

The new names were launched together with the Lakapi Samoa logo on Friday 14th of May at the Lakapi Samoa headquarters, Tuanaimato. The announcement was made by the caretaker Prime Minister and the Chairman of Lakapi Samoa, Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi. 

Manu Samoa XV is now simply - Manu Samoa; Manusina XV will be known as just Manusina; Samoa Men's 7s will now become just Manu Samoa 7s; Samoa Women's 7s will be known simply as Manusina 7s; Samoa A will be changed to Manuma Samoa; Samoa U20 Boys will be known as the Junior Manu Samoa; Samoa U20 Girls will be called Samoana; Samoa U18 Boys new name will be Tama Samoa, and the Samoa U18 Girls will be known as Teine Samoa. 

"These changes were made so that it'll be easier to know which team we are talking about. Most of the teams have already secured their names, the easiest example would be the All Blacks, when you hear the word 'All Blacks' you won't have to guess whether it is New Zealand's 15, 7s, or U18, you automatically know it's the 15," he said. 

"So when I talk about Manu Samoa, then you know you are writing about the 15 teams, and the same goes for the other teams. It is much easier this way, because before Manu Samoa is what most of the teams were all known for," he added. 

And so in keeping track with the current momentum in Lakapi Samoa’s ambition to review and reinvigorate itself, Lakapi Samoa looked at revitalizing the Union with a new name, logo, and direction. 

After months of consultations with Provincial Unions, Stakeholders, and the Board of Directors, the Union agreed on the new strategic plan with new core values, goals, and focus for the Union and a new name and logo.  

Manu Samoa is set to fly out of Samoa on the 28th of May to play against Tonga and NZ Maori to secure a spot in the Rugby World Cup 2023, in France. While the Manu Samoa 7s proposal is still pending and awaiting approval. The Manusina also have two test matches already approved against Australia's Wallaroos.