Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane and Shaun Stevenson named in Samoa's Nations Cup squad after All Blacks switch

Three former All Blacks and a prominent New Zealand Sevens star have been named in Manu Samoa’s 30-man squad for the November leg of the World Rugby Nations Cup, with head coach Tusi Pisi selecting Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane, Shaun Stevenson and Etene Nanai-Seturo among eight uncapped players for fixtures against Zimbabwe, Portugal and Spain.

All three ex-All Blacks qualify for Samoa through heritage and were cleared under World Rugby’s eligibility regulations earlier this year. Under those rules, players may switch unions after a stand-down period provided they hold a qualifying birthright connection — none of the four have represented New Zealand within the last three years, satisfying the requirement for an international switch.

Nanai-Seturo, a former New Zealand Sevens star and All Blacks XV representative, has long been regarded as a player with Test potential. His inclusion is seen as part of Samoa’s broader effort to build depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The squad carries significant experience in the forward pack. Former Wallabies loosehead Scott Sio and Munster tighthead Michael Alaalatoa headline a seasoned front row, while Saracens lock Theo McFarland returns as one of the key figures in the second row.

In the backs, Jacob Umaga and Peter Umaga-Jensen feature alongside AJ Lam, Duncan Paia’aua and Irae Simone in an experienced backline as Samoa look to build momentum during the Nations Cup window.

Among the other uncapped players pushing for a first Test cap are scrum-half Efeso Tuivaiti, prop Millenium Sanerivi, lock Samuel Slade and back-rowers Lamandado Mustuga and Abraham Papali’i.

Full squad: Scott Sio, Aki Seiuli, Michael Alaalatoa, Marco Fepulea’i, Tietie Tuimauga, Millenium Sanerivi, Sama Malolo, Richie Asiata, Ben Petiuali Nee-Nee, Samuel Slade, Chris Gabriel, Theodore McFarland, Niko Jones, Lamandado Mustuga, Miracle Faiilagi, Akira Ioane, Abraham Papali’i, Connor Tupai, Joel Lam, Efeso Tuivaiti, Jacob Umaga, Josh Ioane, Irae Simone, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Duncan Paia’aua, Latrell Ah Kiong, AJ Lam, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson.