Overview
- The announced squad includes three former All Blacks — Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane and Shaun Stevenson — and eight uncapped players who could make their Manu Samoa debuts in November.
- Samoa will open the Nations Cup against Zimbabwe on 7 November in Wakefield before facing Portugal and Spain as final match practice ahead of RWC 2027.
- Former Wallabies prop Scott Sio, who completed his switch and debuted for Samoa during the final qualifying event, is also in the 30‑man group.
- Many squad members are based with clubs in Japan and Europe, a factor that will shape selection, player availability and match fitness for the November tests.
- The mix of experienced internationals and new faces gives Samoa depth and fresh options for RWC 2027 while creating immediate selection questions over who will secure long‑term places.