Samoa, the rugby of the Pacific Islands
The Samoa page highlights the Manu Samoa, the team from a Pacific archipelago where rugby is played in every village and is a source of national pride. The blue of the jersey, the kits, and fan products pay tribute to a nation that has produced some of the most feared tacklers in global rugby, both at the national level and in major championships.
The strength of Samoan rugby.
Cardiff 1991: the explosive entrance of the Samoans
In their first World Cup, in 1991, the team then known as Western Samoa beat Wales 16 to 13 in Cardiff, with tries from To'o Vaega and Sila Vaifale, before reaching the quarter-finals. It reached this stage of the competition again in 1995, confirming that an archipelago of just a few hundred thousand inhabitants can compete with the big nations. The country took the name of Samoa in 1997, and the team became one of the most physical fixtures on the international calendar.
The other nations
The other nations are also:
All the other nations can be found on the other nations page.
Siva tau, Moana Pasifika and Samoan players around the world
Before each match, players perform the siva tau, a Samoan war dance, in front of their opponents. Since 2022, the Moana Pasifika franchise, based in Auckland, has opened Super Rugby Pacific to island players and provides them with a showcase at the highest level. The Samoan diaspora, which is very present in New Zealand and Australia, has also produced many internationals for other teams, and Samoan players are numerous in the Top 14, in England and Japan, where their power in contact is highly sought after.
The blue of Manu Samoa and the Southern Cross
The jersey of Manu Samoa is blue, often accented with white, echoing the Samoan flag, which is red with a blue canton that features five white stars of the Southern Cross. The outfits are regularly adorned with Polynesian patterns, a nod to the traditions of the archipelago. For a supporter, the supporter version is chosen in their usual size based on chest measurement; it's a jersey that appeals to the diaspora as well as rugby fans from the Pacific, and it stands out in any stand.
Good deals
Good deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and the items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back to school.
Frequently asked questions
What does Manu Samoa mean?
The name refers to Manu, a legendary warrior from Samoan history. It designates the national rugby team and recalls the fighting spirit that the players claim in every match.
Do the Samoans play rugby league?
Yes, the rugby league team, Toa Samoa, reached the final of the World Cup of the discipline, held at Old Trafford in November 2022 and lost against Australia.
Who do the Samoans play against?
The Samoans face Fiji, Tonga and Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup, and encounter European or American nations during the July and November tests or qualification tournaments.
How many inhabitants does the Samoa archipelago have?
Just over two hundred thousand, mainly spread across the islands of Upolu and Savai'i. Relative to this population, the place of Samoans in professional rugby worldwide is exceptional.
Are the Samoans strong in rugby sevens?
Yes, they won the world rugby sevens circuit in 2010, after a series of tournament victories. Their speed and power in tackling make every sevens tournament a showcase for the young talent of the archipelago.
