Latest news with #ManuSamoa
Otago Daily Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Call-up for Manu Samoa sees another code switch for Lam
Joel Lam has returned to play for Burnside ahead of linking up with the Manu Samoa squad. Lam switched to rugby league earlier this year, playing twice for Hornby Panthers before a move to Australia. PHOTO: SIDELINE PHOTOGRAPHS Rugby league convert Joel Lam has made a surprise pivot back to union after being named in the Manu Samoa squad to play Scotland next month. The 23-year-old, who previously made eight appearances for Canterbury and one for the Crusaders, switched codes earlier this year to chase a rugby league career. He featured twice for the Hornby Panthers in the CRL Premiership before heading to Australia in April to join Brisbane club Souths Logan Magpies. However, last week Lam was named among 11 uncapped players in the Manu Samoa squad for their match against Scotland at Eden Park on July 18, as well as August's Pacific Nations Cup. The halfback qualifies for Samoa through his maternal grandfather William Lam, who was born in the island nation. 'I've always had the dream to represent Samoa and play for my granddad. He passed away when I was in high school, but he'll be smiling up there, that's for sure,' he said. Lam is related to Samoan international Ben Lam, his brother, Blues midfielder AJ Lam, and their uncle Pat Lam. Joel Lam playing for Burnside ahead of linking up with the Manu Samoa squad. PHOTO: SIDELINE PHOTOGRAPHS Pat Lam played 34 times for Samoa in the 1990s and also coached the Blues from 2009-12. 'We've got 300-plus cousins, uncles and aunties. The Lam family's pretty big over in Samoa, so we're related somewhere down the line,' he said. 'My granddad's one of 21 siblings, and obviously those brothers and sisters have all had children of their own, then those children have had daughters and sons, so we're all related.' Lam marked his return to union on Saturday, coming off the bench to score a try for Burnside in their 64–35 Metro Premier win over Christchurch. He will continue playing for the club until he links up with the Samoa squad on July 9. Lam said despite his switch back to the 15-man game he was still keeping his sporting options open. 'You want to take every opportunity, and I went and gave (league) a crack and there's nothing saying that door's closed either.'
RNZ News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Flying Fijians and Manu Samoa rugby squads revealed
The Flying Fijians putting in some defense work against Manu Samoa at Apia Park on Saturday. 29 July 2023. Photo: Piui Simi / Samoa Observer Player omissions were noticed when the Flying Fijians and Manu Samoa head coaches announced their respective squads for upcoming international commitments. Flying Fijians new manager Paula Biu, himself a former national rep, announced a 32-member squad in Suva on Wednesday afternoon, minus veteran centre Semi Radradra, number eight Peceli Yato, Fijian Drua fullback Vuate Karawalevu and former All Black, Pita Gus Sowakula. Head coach Mick Byrne, fielding questions from the media after the announcement, said some players were unavailable because of club changes and movements. Radradra is moving to Japan but both Yato and Sowakula are in France, their absence raised by the media at the team announcement. Manu Samoa's anouncement on Tuesday also had the same effect with fans and the media asking where are some of the consistent performers with Moana Pasifika during the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Names mentioned included flanker Miracle Failangi, who was joint top try-scorer with Kyren Taumoefolau for Moana Pasifika this year. Also missing is livewire hooker Sama Malolo and halfback Jonathan Taumeiteine. Moana Pasifika quartet Failagi, Taumateine, Danny Toala and Lalomilo Lalomilo are busy with the National Provincial Championship in New Zealand. Hurricanes scrumhalf Ereatara Enari is also committed to NPC. Manu Samoa head coach, Lemalu Tusi Pisi, said the selection has been a mix of young and experienced players, who will rise to the occasion when needed to. A big addition to the Flying Fijians squad is that of former Hurricanes utility backline player Salesi Rayasi. Rayasi, who now plays out of France, is set to make his debut for the Fijians against either the Wallabies or Scotland in July. The Flying Fijians face the Wallabies in Sydney on 6 July and Scotland in Suva the weekend after, in their opening matches of the 2025 Test series. The Fijians will then defend their Pacific Nations Cup title from August, with matches against Tonga and Samoa, before the elimination series against Canada, USA and Japan. Flying Fijian head coach Mick Byrne. Photo: ©INPHO/Ben Brady Byrne said it is exciting time for the team, with new players added and others missing out. He thanked all the players who had stated their willingness to play for Fiji. He said some quality players have missed the final 32 announced. The initial squad had over 80 players. "We are very excited by the squad that we've named," he said. "Both Australia and Scotland are established tier one sides, and we know the level we need to rise to. This squad reflects the depth, strength; and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud. "We've got some very good experienced hands in there with a couple of young players that we've given the opportunity to." Byrne said the Flying Fijians now face the tough challenge of having to step up and play consistently as a tier one nation, with the team's inclusion in the Nations Cup competition from 2026. "We are excited by the future of the game for our Flying Fijians," he stated. "Over the past year we have been gven the oppoprtunity to play one or two tier one teams. As of next year we are in the Nations Cup," he said. "We are now part of the Nations Cup, which is a combination of both the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship competitions. We now need to step up as an organisation and as a group of players. "We need to adress the fact that we are now tier one and everything we are doing as an organisation and as a group must reflect that, and we are looking forward to the next window of opportunity to present Fiji to the world." Fijian Drua captain for 2025 Tevita Ikanivere will replaces former captain Waisea Nayacalevu, who announced his retirement from international rugby a week ago. New players named in the squad includes Drua halfback Philip Baselala, Hawkes Bay scrumhalf Sam Wye, Kavaia Tagivetaua and former Fiji under-20 captain Motikai Murray. A total of 13 players from the Fijian Drua, 10 players based in France, five based in England and one from New Zealand are in the Fiji squad. The Flying Fijians 32-member squad: Forwards: Eroni Mawi (Saracens - UK), Luke Tagi (Bayonne, FR), Haereiti Hetet (Fijian Drua), Mesake Doge (Fijian Drua), Peni Ravai (Fijian Drua), Tevita Ikanivere (Captain - Fijian Drua), Sam Matavesi (Lyon - FR), Kavaia Tagivetaua (Fijian Drua), Isoa Nasilasila (Fijian Drua), Mesake Vocevoce (Fijian Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Northhampton-UK), Setareki Turagacoke (Stade Francais-FR), Viliame Mata (Bristol-UK), Elia Canakaivata (Fijian Drua), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Pau-FR), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester-UK), Etonia Waqa (Fijian Drua), Motikai Murray (Fijian Drua); Backs - Simione Kuruvoli (Fijian Drua), Philip Baselala (Fijian Drua), Sam Wye (Hawkes Bay-NZ), Caleb Muntz (Fijian Drua), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (Fijian Drua), Vilimoni Botitu (Castres-FR), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92-FR), Iosefo Baleiwairiki Masi (Fijian Drua), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne-FR), Kalaveti Ravouvou (Bristol-UK), Ponipate Loganimasi (Fijian Drua), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon-FR), Selestino Ravutaumada (Fijian Drua), Salesi Rayasi (Vannes-FR). Meanwhile, Manu Samoa have a number of players who play in the United States and compete - or have competed - in the Major Rugby League there. Former USA Eagles prop Titi Lamositele is recalled after missing out on World Cup selection, along with Houston hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue, San Diego scrumhalf Connor Tupai, Utah duo Aki Seiuli and D'Angelo Leuila, Seattle pair Olajuwon Noa and Rodney Iona, and NOLA Gold star Jonah Mau'u. Former Colorado Raptors forwards Marco Fepulea'i, Michael Curry, and Sam Slade keep their places in the squad. Loose forward Niko Jones, who played for Old Glory in 2023, has been included in the Manu Samoa squad, like his father and former All Black star La'auli Savae Michael Jones did. Head coach Pisi said the fact that the Pacific Nations Cup doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 World Cup means they will have to be at their best. The Nations Cup will see Samoa meet Fiji and Tonga before getting into the eliminations against Canada, Japan and USA. Pisi said he is excited by the squad and the selection is a balanced one, with some unavailable because of injury. Samoa's now coach, Tusi Pisi in his playing days. Photo: AFP "I have chosen warriors who understand the weight of the jersey," Pisi stated during the squad announcement at the Lakapi Samoa head office in Apia. "Our selection blends experience with fresh talent-players, who rise to the challenge of representing our people. "With our first test against Scotland, we respect them, but we play for Samoa. And with the Pacific Nations Cup, it becomes our battlefield for World Cup qualification where every tackle, every scrum, and every point is a step towards Australia 2027." The international season will kick-off with a landmark test match against Scotland on Friday, 18 July. lakapi Samoa chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun said Manu Samoa have a challenging season ahead. The side will play their home matches away from Apia, since Apia Park is closed for major repairs, with the test against Scotland in Auckland and the Nations Cup clash against Fiji in Rotorua . "Congratulations to head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi and our selectors on naming our first Manu Samoa squad of the year," he said. "A special acknowledgment as well to all our new debutants, a proud moment not just for them, but for their families, villages, and communities who've stood behind them every step of the way. "It's a significant occasion for Lakapi Samoa as we prepare to face a proud tier one nation like Scotland at Eden Park. "This historic test, along with the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, are key steps as we continue to build depth, strengthen connections, and reignite pride in the jersey heading into the next international cycle." Chun said the Scotland test provides a crucial platform for Pisi and his players, before heading into the Nations Cup series. Manu Samoa squad: Forwards - Titi Lamositele (Harlequins, UK), Aki Seiuli (Utah Warriors, MLR), Kaynan Siteine-Tua (Western Sydney Two Blues, AU), Pita Anae-Ah Sue (Houston SaberCats, MLR), Leif Schwencke (Linton Lions), Luteru Tolai (Biarritz, FR), Michael Ala'alatoa (Clermont Auvergne, FR), Bradley Amituanai (Waratahs, AU), Marco Fepulea'i (Colomiers, FR), Tietie Tuimauga (Montauban, FR), Michael Curry (Moana Pasifika), Ben Nee-Nee (Kamaishi Seawaves, JP), Sam Slade (Moana Pasifika), Malaesaili Elato (Apia Marist), Niko Jones (Waitemata, NZ), Iakopo Mapu (Northampton Saints, UK), Jonah Mau'u (NOLA Gold, MLR), Theo McFarland (captain., Saracens, UK), Olajuwon Noa (Seattle Seawolves, MLR), Taleni Seu (Toyota Shuttles, JP); Backs - Joel Lam (Canterbury, NZ), Melani Matavao (Moana Pasifika), Connor Tupai (San Diego Legion, MLR), Rodney Iona (Seattle Seawolves, MLR), D'Angelo Leuila (Utah Warriors, MLR), Jacob Umaga (Benetton Treviso, IT), Afa Moleli (Ardmore Marist, NZ), Melani Nanai (Capilano, CA), Duncan Paia'aua (Toulon, FR), Henry Taefu (Osaka Red Hurricanes, JP), Elisapeta Alofipo (Hunter Wildfires, AU), Tomaso Alosio (Ardmore Marist, NZ), Taunu'u Niulevaea (Samoa Sevens), Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong (Western Sydney Two Blues, AU), Tuna Tuitama (Moana Pasifika).
RNZ News
05-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Run It Straight turns brute force into entertainment, with fatal consequences
By Melissa Maykin , ABC News Two men collide during a 'Run it' sporting event in Auckland. Photo: Supplied / RUNIT CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE via Instagram For Onehunga Mata'uiau, rugby has always been about skill, discipline, and controlled contact. That's why the former Manu Samoa player and seasoned coach sees the Run It Straight craze sweeping Pacific communities as a dangerous distortion of the game he loves. Backed by former and current rugby stars Manu Vatuvei, Chanel Harris-Tavita, George Burgess, Nemani Nadolo and UFC's Carlos Ulberg, and attracting hundreds of thousands of followers online, Run It Straight sees players charging at each other like rugby front rowers, to "dominate" their opponent. But as the online hype has grown, so too have the risks. The social media-driven craze made international headlines late last month when 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died in New Zealand after suffering head injuries in an impromptu contest. Speaking just before that incident, veteran coach Mata'uiau had told ABC's Pacific Pulse he feared a tragedy was inevitable in a format where collision, not evasion, is the goal. "As coaches and game developers, we make sure there is technique and players are not reckless … we teach our kids how to tackle properly instead of taking the head off," he said. "[Run It Straight] revolves the game around rugby, but the principle of our game is not that. "We never trained to knock each other out like that, where you have to smash someone at a hundred miles per hour. In May, Run It safety spokesperson Billy Coffey revealed the sport has a concussion rate of around 20 per cent, noting that two concussions at a recent event were caused by players using "illegal" head-first techniques. As pulverising hits flood social media, the spectacle is also drawing criticism for glorifying "harmful forms of masculinity". Ryan Satterthwaite] died after suffering head injuries in an impromptu contest. Photo: Instagram Some Pacific Islanders who grew up in the 1990s trace Run It Straight back to their childhoods in the Australian and New Zealand diaspora. "We'd make our own fun after to'ona'i (Sunday lunch) by playing games like bull rush or Run It Straight," associate professor Lefaoali'i Dr Dion Enari said. Once a backyard pastime, it has transformed into a high-impact combat event drawing a legion of online fans, families, community vendors, and influencers. From the polished, star-studded RUNIT Championship League to the grassroots Run It Straight 24, participants face off one-on-one in a tight 20-by-4-metre arena, taking turns charging or tackling at full speed. Matches end in knockouts or are decided by dominance, with prize money reaching $NZ200,000 ($185,700) for the last man standing. Despite warnings from injury experts, the unregulated contest is booming online. But sporting codes are pushing back. New Zealand Rugby has warned of "significant risk of serious injury," with All Black and Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea saying sportspeople "should not be seen supporting something like this." New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said people needed to take more responsibility for their actions, while in Australia, Manly Sea Eagles fans have been told they face bans if caught taking part in the craze at games, after footage surfaced showing men hurtling downhill into awaiting tacklers. Dr Andrew Affleck, senior hospital scientist and brain bank manager at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, calls the craze a "hit-fest" designed to cause maximum damage. He said repeated clashes, both mild and severe, increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, motor neurone disease, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Queensland league great Wally Lewis lives with probable CTE, while the late NRL coach Paul Green, who died by suicide in 2022, was posthumously diagnosed with CTE, a condition that cannot be fully diagnosed in living patients. "They probably do not fully appreciate that each knock might be another step toward potential impairment," Dr Affleck said. "We know that people who develop CTE have often experienced not just concussions but repeated blows, including non-concussive events. Police described the incident that fatally injured Ryan Satterthwaite as "innocuous," underscoring Dr Affleck's warning about the lethal risk of smaller impacts. Ryan did not strike anything solid. According to police, it was the sheer force of the movement that led to his death. Dr Affleck wants to see a shift in attitudes towards the trend. "We only have one brain. It controls everything we do automatically, like breathing, movement, reflexes. Unlike other organs, we don't have a backup." As thousands rallied around grassroots contests, mental health worker and advocate Shenei Penaia became concerned when a family member signed up to compete in Melbourne trials. "My greatest worry is it reinforces a harmful form of masculinity. Young people are not just watching, they are learning that their bodies are disposable, pain is performative and safety comes second to going viral," she said. Mental health worker Shenei Penaia fears young boys are absorbing harmful ideas about masculinity. Photo: Shenei Penaia "We should be building environments that protect and uplift our young people, our young men, where strength are things like self-awareness, vulnerability, and the freedom to say no to being put at risk. On Wednesday, Run It Straight 24 CEO Christian 'Charizma' Lesa said the group will now enforce the use of mouthguards, headgear, and stricter tackling rules, with disqualification for any contact outside the chest-to-waist zone. "We're still learning, but we want to make this as safe as possible so no head highs, no grass cuts, and if you're dazed, that's it, you're done," Lesa told Triple J Hack. Lesa said paramedics and ambulances are on stand-by at events and he follows up with injured contestants. Responding to criticism after Ryan Satterthwaite's death, Lesa said Ryan's family were in his prayers "but I can't be the one to blame if people are doing it outside [our competitions]." The ABC put separate questions to the RUNIT Championship League and Run It Straight 24 regarding safety measures, insurance, and competition rules but did not receive a response. - ABC
ABC News
05-06-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Run It Straight turns brute force into entertainment, with fatal consequences
For Onehunga Mata'uiau, rugby has always been about skill, discipline, and controlled contact. That's why the former Manu Samoa player and seasoned coach sees the Run It Straight craze sweeping Pacific communities as a dangerous distortion of the game he loves. Backed by former and current rugby stars Manu Vatuvei, Chanel Harris-Tavita, George Burgess, Nemani Nadolo and UFC's Carlos Ulberg, and attracting hundreds of thousands of followers online, Run It Straight sees players charging at each other like rugby front rowers, to "dominate" their opponent. But as the online hype has grown, so too have the risks. The social media-driven craze made international headlines late last month when 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died in New Zealand after suffering head injuries in an impromptu contest. Speaking just before that incident, veteran coach Mata'uiau had told ABC's Pacific Pulse he feared a tragedy was inevitable in a format where collision, not evasion, is the goal. "As coaches and game developers, we make sure there is technique and players are not reckless … we teach our kids how to tackle properly instead of taking the head off," he said. "[Run It Straight] revolves the game around rugby, but the principle of our game is not that. "We never trained to knock each other out like that, where you have to smash someone at a hundred miles per hour. In May, Run It safety spokesperson Billy Coffey revealed the sport has a concussion rate of around 20 per cent, noting that two concussions at a recent event were caused by players using "illegal" head-first techniques. As pulverising hits flood social media, the spectacle is also drawing criticism for glorifying "harmful forms of masculinity". Some Pacific Islanders who grew up in the 1990s trace Run It Straight back to their childhoods in the Australian and New Zealand diaspora. "We'd make our own fun after to'ona'i (Sunday lunch) by playing games like bull rush or Run It Straight," associate professor Lefaoali'i Dr Dion Enari said. Once a backyard pastime, it has transformed into a high-impact combat event drawing a legion of online fans, families, community vendors, and influencers. From the polished, star-studded RUNIT Championship League to the grassroots Run It Straight 24, participants face off one-on-one in a tight 20-by-4-metre arena, taking turns charging or tackling at full speed. Matches end in knockouts or are decided by dominance, with prize money reaching $NZ200,000 ($185,700) for the last man standing. Despite warnings from injury experts, the unregulated contest is booming online. But sporting codes are pushing back. New Zealand Rugby has warned of "significant risk of serious injury," with All Black and Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea saying sportspeople "should not be seen supporting something like this." New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said people needed to take more responsibility for their actions, while in Australia, Manly Sea Eagles fans have been told they face bans if caught taking part in the craze at games, after footage surfaced showing men hurtling downhill into awaiting tacklers. Dr Andrew Affleck, senior hospital scientist and brain bank manager at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, calls the craze a "hit-fest" designed to cause maximum damage. He said repeated clashes, both mild and severe, increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, motor neurone disease, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Queensland league great Wally Lewis lives with probable CTE, while the late NRL coach Paul Green, who died by suicide in 2022, was posthumously diagnosed with CTE, a condition that cannot be fully diagnosed in living patients. "They probably do not fully appreciate that each knock might be another step toward potential impairment," Dr Affleck said. "We know that people who develop CTE have often experienced not just concussions but repeated blows, including non-concussive events. Police described the incident that fatally injured Ryan Satterthwaite as "innocuous," underscoring Dr Affleck's warning about the lethal risk of smaller impacts. Ryan did not strike anything solid. According to police, it was the sheer force of the movement that led to his death. Dr Affleck wants to see a shift in attitudes towards the trend. "We only have one brain. It controls everything we do automatically, like breathing, movement, reflexes. Unlike other organs, we don't have a backup." As thousands rallied around grassroots contests, mental health worker and advocate Shenei Penaia became concerned when a family member signed up to compete in Melbourne trials. "My greatest worry is it reinforces a harmful form of masculinity. Young people are not just watching, they are learning that their bodies are disposable, pain is performative and safety comes second to going viral," she said. "We should be building environments that protect and uplift our young people, our young men, where strength are things like self-awareness, vulnerability, and the freedom to say no to being put at risk. On Wednesday, Run It Straight 24 CEO Christian 'Charizma' Lesa said the group will now enforce the use of mouthguards, headgear, and stricter tackling rules, with disqualification for any contact outside the chest-to-waist zone. "We're still learning, but we want to make this as safe as possible so no head highs, no grass cuts, and if you're dazed, that's it, you're done," Lesa told Triple J Hack. Lesa said paramedics and ambulances are on stand-by at events and he follows up with injured contestants. Responding to criticism after Ryan Satterthwaite's death, Lesa said Ryan's family were in his prayers "but I can't be the one to blame if people are doing it outside [our competitions]." The ABC put separate questions to the RUNIT Championship League and Run It Straight 24 regarding safety measures, insurance, and competition rules but did not receive a response.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Manu Samoa Vs Fiji Test Match Comes To Rotorua
Press Release – RotoruaNZ RotoruaNZ CE Andrew Wilson said, Rotorua is honoured to host this match and be Manu Samoas home away from home. Were proud to bring the passion and spirit of Pacific rugby to our stadium, offering fans the opportunity to witness an epic … Rotorua is set to come alive as Manu Samoa take on the Flying Fijians in a much-anticipated rugby test match at Rotorua Stadium, on 6 September 2025. Rotorua has firmly cemented its place as a world-class destination for major sporting and cultural events. Now, it welcomes another momentous occasion as two Pacific rugby giants go head-to-head in a clash brimming with pride, passion and power. With Rotorua proudly serving as Samoa's 'home ground away from home,' the city is set to embrace the team with open arms. Known for its rich Māori heritage and deep ties to Pacific communities, Rotorua offers a unique and culturally resonant setting for this international fixture. RotoruaNZ CE Andrew Wilson said, 'Rotorua is honoured to host this match and be Manu Samoa's home away from home. We're proud to bring the passion and spirit of Pacific rugby to our stadium, offering fans the opportunity to witness an epic game and experience everything Rotorua has to offer.' As both Samoa and Fiji ramp up preparations for upcoming global competitions, this test match will be a key part of their campaigns. Their long-standing rivalry promises an unforgettable showdown full of flair, physicality and fierce national pride. Lakapi Samoa CEO Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun welcomed the announcement, saying, 'We are delighted to bring another Samoa home test match to New Zealand and specifically to Rotorua, a rugby heartland. While we continue to improve the Apia Stadium facilities in Samoa, we know we will receive support from the Pacific community in New Zealand. Thank you to RotoruaNZ for their support to bring this international game to their region.' Fiji Rugby CEO Roverto Nayacalevu said, 'We're looking forward to an epic clash between the Flying Fijians and Manu Samoa in Rotorua in what will no doubt be a thrilling encounter. Matches like these aren't just about rugby, they're about pride, heritage and the enduring bond between Pacific nations. Both teams carry the hopes of their people, and we know they'll deliver a contest worthy of their traditions. We wish both sides the very best. May the spirit of the Pacific shine through on and off the field.' The international Samoa vs Fiji presale will begin at 10am NZ time on Friday, 2 May 2025. Anyone interested in attending the match is encouraged to sign up to the Mai Rotorua newsletter to receive exclusive presale access. [ ] The general sale begins at 10am NZ time on Monday, 5 May 2025. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster. Global Broadcast details of the Samoa v Fiji test match will be communicated in May 2025.
