Moana Pasifika sign Loose forward Fai’ilagi
Exciting young Samoan loose forward Miracle Fai’ilagi heads five new signings for Moana Pasifika’s 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Coach Aaron Mauger is hoping the experience built over their inaugural season can produce a more consistent effort from his team.
But it’s new blood like Fai’ilagi that has raised excitement levels.
The 23-year old was identified by Mauger and forwards coach Leota Filo Tiatia at the World Rugby Pacific Combine held in Suva, Fiji.
The combine serves as a pathway to representing the Pacific Island national teams and provides exposure to a high-performance program.
Top prospects from Samoa, Tonga and Fiji assembled in September for an intensive training week to emulate a professional rugby environment.
Moana Pasifika’s coaching staff attended the combine with the intention of rewarding two players with training contracts for the 2023 preseason. However, Fai’ilagi impressed with his physical prowess, game intelligence and professionalism which saw him rewarded with a full-time contract.
“Miracle is a natural leader who exudes humility, respect and tautua (service). He has represented Samoa in s so has a solid fitness foundation, a high work rate and is hardnosed.
“He isn’t afraid to put his head in to dark places and has a very high ceiling,” Mauger said.
“There was a lot of untapped talent at the combine and Miracle was one of several players that caught our eye.
“The way these young men responded to being in a professional environment for the first time was outstanding, and we have rewarded another five players with preseason training contracts from the combine.”
Mauger is excited with his squad’s potential.
“We had a very inexperienced squad last season which was evidenced by the 32 young men who made their Super Rugby debuts. In the past 12 months we have seen a lot of maturing and development in our players, and you only get that with playing at a high level.”
“This year we get an opportunity to go through a full preseason whereas last year we only had three weeks. This team harbours so much potential and all 39 contracted men deserve another opportunity to showcase their talent in an uninterrupted season.”
Moana Pasifika Squad: Forwards:
Abraham Pole, Alamanda Motuga, Alex McRobbie, Chris Apoua, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Jack Lam, Joe ‘Apikotoa, Lotu Inisi, Luteru Tolai, Mahonri Ngakuru, Michael Curry, Mike McKee, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Penitoa Finau, Ray Niuia, Samiuela Moli, Samuel Slade, Sekope Kepu, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi.
Backs: Anzelo Tuitavuki, Christian Leali’ifano, D’Angelo Leuila, Danny Toala, Ereatara Enari, Fine Inisi, Henry Taefu, Jonathan Taumateine, Levi Aumua, Lincoln McClutchie, Lolagi Visinia, Manu Paea, Neria Foma’i, Tima Fainga’anuku, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tomasi Alosio, William Havili. Joining Moana Pasifika from the World Rugby Pacific Combine on preseason training contracts: Joe Perez (Samoa), Faletoi Peni (Samoa), Semisi Paea (Tonga), Frank Mafi (Tonga) and Alosio Moa (Tonga).