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Former All Black’s 7’s star Ben Lam has been named for the Rugby World Cup after some miscommunication with the team naming.
Manu Samoa has revealed its 33-man travelling squad for this year’s Rugby World Cup.
The team was announced on Sunday afternoon by Lakapi Samoa Chairman, Hon Tuilaepa Dr Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.
Originally, a squad of 31 players was read out causing confusion among fans watching the live stream. Utility back D’angelo Leuila, who was immense in the team’s win against Tonga, was not named during the announcement of the squad.
It was later confirmed hours after, by Lakapi Samoa, that Leuila is in fact part of the squad, with another extra player to be announced at a later date, making the total 33.
A surprise inclusion to the squad was former Hurricanes and All Black’s sevens winger Ben Lam.
The 32 year old who now plays for Montpellier Herault Rugby in France will join the list of other former New Zealand stars in the team with the likes of Jordan Taufua, Charlie Faumuina and Lima Sopoaga.
Chris Vui and Michael Alaalatoa will lead the team to France as co-captains.
Speaking to the media after the team announcement, both Alaalatoa and Vui are extremely honoured to be chosen as the leaders for Manu Samoa.
“It’s a huge honour and a privilege and I am sure Chris feels the same. We are quite like-minded but feel that we challenge each other all for the betterment of the team,” Alaalatoa says.
Vui added that being able to share the leadership role with his teammate and roommate Alaalatoa is an “extremely proud moment” for him.
The team travel to France on the 11th of August with two pre-world cup matches against a Barbarians team and Ireland before the World Cup commences in September.
