Despite a big loss to Scotland last week, Manu Samoa celebrated a new crop of players making their debut whose surnames are quite recognisable.
Since announcing his first ever Manu Samoa rugby squad for the year, newly appointed coach Lemalu Tusiata Pisi has gotten a lot of queries regarding the players that were ‘not’ in his selections.
When asked about it, Lemalu insisted that he had made the right picks and that the players who made themselves available should be “celebrated”.
Celebrating is probably a humble way of putting it, especially with the calibre of ‘names’ among the debutants. For a couple of them, it was a chance to represent themselves and also their families.
Having represented England a few years ago, Jacob Umaga was now in the Manu Samoa squad ready to debut in the blue jersey.
The Umaga name is already well known in Pacific rugby, with Jacob’s father Mike earning 13 caps for Manu Samoa, while his uncle Faalogo Tana Umaga is a true legend of the All Blacks.
Being away in Europe for most of his life, Jacob was honoured to be called up to play for Samoa and to also do it for his family.
“Yeah I had the opportunity to represent my mum’s side in England four years ago, and now to be back in New Zealand to represent my dad’s side is pretty awesome,” he says.
“For me, coming and learning the culture is something that I never had. To now be here and be in the squad has been a dream of mine since I was a kid.”
When asked about any advice given by his father and uncle, Jacob said it was a simple, straightforward message.
“They just said, just do what you usually do,” he says.
“You know, I’ve been playing rugby for a while now but more so just to get invested in the culture and get around the boys. Learn as much as you can and ask questions.”
Another icon of Pacific and All Black rugby is Savae Laauli Sir Michael Jones. Known for his speed, strength and impact back in the day, Savae will now be in the supporters seat to cheer on his son Niko in the Manu Samoa squad.
Reflecting on the chance to represent Samoa and his family, Niko credited his father and the impact he’s had on his career.
“Of course I know the significance you know with my dad with rugby but I think, more so, just being a dad, you know,” Niko says.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better upbringing and love and support.
“He’ll give me a text or shoot through a call before the game. I know I got his full support and I never have to come off the field worried or anything. You can come off the field and get all the coach approval and the fans, but I think the main person you kind of go to is your dad and old man.”
It wasn’t only rugby icons whose surnames featured among newly selected players.
Former heavyweight boxer and champion Faumuina To’aletai David Tua was also present to celebrate Manu Samoa, with his son Kaynan also making his debut in the blue jersey.
A young front rower who plays his rugby in Australia, Kaynan reflected on his dad’s achievements over the years and what it was like for him to continue on representing the Tua last name.
“It means a lot, you know. He’s obviously done a lot for our country and the people, so to be able to go into a different sport and hopefully do the same thing is really special to me,” Kaynan says.
“He’s been saying just to enjoy. Enjoy the environment, enjoy the boys getting to know everyone, that’s the best advice he’s given me.”
Manu Samoa will have a small break and regroup for their Pacific Nations Cup campaign and remaining tests for the end of the year.
As for Jacob Umaga, he hopes through his small time with the team, that it will lead to more opportunities in the future to be in the blue jersey.
“I just want to play as much international footy as I can,” Jacob says.
“Obviously to go back to Italy, play with Beneton, but for the end of year tour, hopefully I will be picked in that and keep on pushing on with this team. We’ve got a good group and I want to be part of that as much as possible”
