Manusina Samoa embrace new era at WXV Global Series Challenger with World Cup in sight

Manusina Samoa head into the final round of the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong with two defeats behind them, yet the mood inside the squad is one of quiet optimism as the team adjusts to life under new head coach Bella Milo.

Samoa still have a route to fifth place, needing to beat hosts Hong Kong China while Brazil lose to Spain in the same round. But for players like lock Olalini Tafoulua, the scorelines tell only part of the story.

“The connection within the team has improved, and our culture, in terms of getting to know each other, has become stronger as well,” Tafoulua said. “For us, it has been important to showcase the Samoan rugby culture to players who didn’t have a chance to grow in it, but who are here now helping the team.”

Prop Avau Filimaua, who started against Spain in round two, echoed that sentiment. “Seeing the growth in our team and the amount of support we have for each other is great. We have new players, new management. It’s a new side of things for all of us, but we have managed to support each other in and out of the field.”

Both players pointed to the tournament’s broader value as a development platform, particularly with Women’s Rugby World Cup qualifiers scheduled for 2026. “I believe it is very important to play in a tournament like this, especially when we have World Cup qualifiers next year,” Filimaua said. “It gives us an opportunity to build and grow before that very crucial moment. When that time comes, new and old faces will have grown accustomed to each other and be ready to take on the challenge.”

Tafoulua reinforced the point, stressing that consistent competitive rugby is essential to the sport’s long-term growth in Samoa. “It gives us a huge opportunity to grow in this sport, and the only way we can get better is by playing games year-round against teams like Fiji, Spain, etc. It helps us develop as players.”

The final-round clash against Hong Kong China carries added significance for the hosts, who are chasing a podium finish, making it one of the more consequential fixtures of the weekend. Tafoulua said she was looking forward to the contest. “I’m looking forward to face our sisters of the Hong Kong China team who have hosted us in these last two weeks.”

Filimaua also reflected warmly on the experience of competing abroad. “I have had plenty of memories since getting here, but if I had to pick one, it has to be experiencing the culture and the city. It’s really cool that we get to experience countries like Hong Kong China, which makes it a more memorable journey for us.”