𝐅𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃-𝐔𝐏 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐀 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐗𝐕 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏

Manusina are set to start their 2026 campaign at the Oceania Rugby Women’s XV Championship in Fiji, as the region’s top teams assemble for a highly anticipated tournament hosted by Oceania Rugby.

The Manusina programme enters this campaign under new leadership following the recent appointment of Fuimaono Bella Milo as Head Coach. While Fuimaono will not be present for this short campaign, due to club commitments in Hong Kong, she continues to guide the programme’s long-term direction. In her absence, Silei Etuale has been appointed Campaign Head Coach and will lead the side in Fiji.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡, 𝐅𝐮𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐨𝐧𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐨:

“This campaign is an important opportunity for our programme. While I won’t be travelling with the team, we have full confidence in Silei to lead the group. We’re focused on building depth, giving new players exposure at this level, and continuing to grow our combinations. Silei Etuale brings a wealth of international experience to the role, having represented the Wallaroos with 13 Test caps and competed in back-to-back Rugby World Cups from 2006-2010. A former international with a strong high-performance background, Silei is proud to lead Manusina, drawing on her experience at the highest level of the game.”

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡, 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐢 𝐄𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐞:

“I am honoured to help lead this team into the Oceania Women’s XV Championship. We represent the jersey with pride and stay humbled in our “whys”—our families, our villages, and the journeys that will bring us together. Built on faith, and guided by “People before performance,” we are anchored by Matthew 20:28, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” I am here to serve this team, the jersey, and the people of Samoa, knowing we represent something far bigger than ourselves.”

Assisting Silei is 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐢’𝐚 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐚, who hails from Sinamoga and Saleaula. Matai’a has worked in rugby for over 15 years serving as the Community Rugby Manager for Horowhenua Kāpiti, where he has led coach and player development across the region. Matai’a’s recent coaching experiences include being part of the New Zealand Heartland XV coaching group that toured Samoa at the end of 2025, coaching the New Zealand Heartland Under 19 team (2018 & 2019), and serving as Head Coach of the Horowhenua Kāpiti Heartland team since 2023 and Assistant from 2020-2022. He is a very passionate coach about developing people and building strong, connected environments. Matai’a is truly honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to the upcoming Oceania campaign with Manusina and is genuinely excited to be part of the growth and development of women’s rugby at this level.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐩𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐚 𝐂𝐄𝐎, 𝐒𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐍𝐠𝐚𝐮 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐧:“This is an important step for Manusina and for women’s rugby in Samoa. We are committed to growing our player base while remaining competitive on the field. This group carries the pride of the nation, and we believe they will represent Samoa well. The Oceania Women’s XV Championship provides a valuable platform for our players to test themselves against quality opposition, while also building depth and experience within our programme. With the support of Federal Pacific Insurance – Samoa, we are continuing to strengthen the pathway for our women’s teams and invest in the future of Manusina.”

As part of their preparations, Manusina played a warm-up match against the New Zealand Universities side in Auckland, winning 36-19.

All matches will be broadcast live on Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC TV), PACAUSTV, and RugbyPass TV, allowing fans across the Pacific and around the world to follow the action.

𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃:

Ana-Maria Afuie – Falefa, Luatuanu’u, Vailele – Sunnybank RFC, AUS

Utumalama Atonio – Lotopa – Papatoetoe RFC, NZ

Tyra Boysen-Auimatagi – Malie, Lefaga, Utualii, Faleula – Endeavour Hills, AUS

Michelle Ame Curry – Vaoala, Fa’atoia – Bond University, AUS

Drenna Falaniko – Tafitoala, Mulivai Safata – Ories Wellington, NZ

Joanna Fanene Lolo – Lalomalava, Neiafu – Marist Old Boys, NZ

Janell Fereti Faanana – Salailua, Satupaitea – Savaii Queens, SAM

Linda Fiafia – Lufilufi, Magiagi, Satuiatua – No Idea, SAM

Nina Foaese – Vailoa Faleata – Norths United, NZ

Jorja Fruean – Solosolo, Salamumu – Ponsonby Fillies, NZ

Leutu Iefata Suaesi – Siumu, Saoluafata – No Idea, SAM

Siluando Lafai – Magiagi, Saleaula – No Idea SAM

Faaaloalo Christina Luafitu – Vailoa Palauli, Fasitoo Uta – Striders, SAM

Latoya Taheela Mariner – Salelavalu, Satapuala – Melbourne University, AUS

Octavia Nanai Iafeta – Avao, Saleimoa, Falelatai – Hong Kong Football Club, HKG

Maria Eirenei Nikolao – Fagaloa, Auala – Savaii Queens, SAM

Faith Nonutunu – Alafua, Solosolo – Ponsonby Fillies, NZ

Memphis Pati Ah-Cheung – Faleula, Nofoalii – Chifley Chiefs, AUS

Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung – Faleula, Nofoalii – Chifley Chiefs, AUS

Marilyn-rose Ripine Pauaraisa – Foailalo, Sasina – Linwood Bulls, NZ

Masuisuimatamaalii Pauaraisa – Foailalo – Linwood Bulls, NZ

Machiko Silila F Fepuleai – Malie, Vailoa Aleipata – Western Lions, ACT, AUS

Ana-Lise Sio – Solosolo, Vaiala – Sydney University, AUS

Iron Talia – Falelatai, Siumu, Afega, Leauva’a – Sunnybank RFC, AUS

Celeste Salaki Utumapu – Fasito’otai, Sagone, Fagaloa, Siumu – Sunnybank RFC, AUS

Clementine Utumapu – Leauva’a, Saipipi, Vaitele, Saleimoa – Queanbeyan Whites, AUS

Harmony Vatau – Salailua, Salelavalu – Sunnybank RFC, AUS

Tisera Volkman – Foailuga, Vailoa Palauli, Asau, Vaitele – Manly Marlins, AUS

𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

Silei Etuale – Campaign Head Coach – Lotosoa Saleimoa, Lotofaga

Matai’a Aleni Feafaiga – Assistant Coach – Sinamoga, Saleaua

Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino – Manager – Saina, Vailoa-Palauli, Tafatafa-Falealili

Afa Aiono – Strength & Conditioning Coach – Leulumoega, Fasitoo Uta

Apollos Paramore – Physiotherapist – Pesega

Junior Narayan – Media & Analyst – Sinamoga, Poutasi Falealili

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐗𝐕 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞:

Round 1 – 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐯 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐟𝐚 𝐗𝐕 | 17 April | 5:30pm | Churchill Park

Round 2 – 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐯 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐟𝐚 𝐗𝐕 | 21 April | 5:30pm | Churchill Park

Round 3 – 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐯 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 | 25 April | 4:30pm | Govind Park

The squad is scheduled to depart Auckland for Nadi on Saturday 18th April.

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬/𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:

12 Players returning from RWC 2025

13 Players set to potentially Debut in Oceania

3 returning players having represented Manusina in previous years

5 players selected from Penina Samoa that recently defeated Penina Tonga, further highlighting the importance of the localised Penina competition.

Another set of sisters to play for Manusina, Taytana & Memphis Pati Ah-Cheung

Possibly a first ever for Manusina with a mother daughter selection with most capped Manusina player Sui Pauaraisa and daughter Marilyn-Rose Pauaraisa

Sui Pauraisa and Nina Foaese have played every campaign since 2018

More about Silei Etuale (née Poluleuligaga) – A proud Samoan woman raised in Australia, representing her father’s village of Lotoso’a, Saleimoa and mother’s village of Lotofaga. A former Wallaroos player (#82) with 13 international caps and back-to-back Rugby World Cup experience from 2006-2010, now brings that experience into her coaching, guided by her philosophy of “People before performance. Silei is proud to be part of the Manusina 2024 Team that qualified for the 2025 World Cup held in England, highlighted by a historic win over Australia A in Samoa. Having spent three years as an Assistant Coach with the Melbourne Rebels Super W, working within a high-performance environment, and has broader experience at state and community levels. Alongside this, Silei is the Co-Founder of HER Rugby Academy, where she is committed to creating pathways and opportunities for the next generation across players, coaches, and the wider rugby community.