Lakapi Samoa said Shaun Stevenson’s pledge to Manu Samoa is part of a wider push to strengthen the national team’s player base, with former All Blacks Akira Ioane and Josh Ioane also among the names being looked at.
In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Lakapi Samoa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun confirmed that Stevenson is expected to be available for Manu Samoa’s November test matches and has already met with Head Coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi.
“We are waiting for his transfer papers to confirm his eligibility for Samoa,” Seumanu said. Seumanu said. “He’s already met with Tusi.”
Stevenson, who is currently playing in Japan for Kubota Spears, is expected to join Manu Samoa directly from his club commitments before the November window. Seumanu said there is no plan for Stevenson to visit Samoa before the tests.
Seumanu said Stevenson’s availability would be a major boost for Manu Samoa, not only because of his individual quality but also because of the competition he would bring to the squad.
