15 Nov 2019

Manusina rugby coach laments player availability

From , 6:00 am on 15 November 2019

The Samoa women's rugby coach is disappointed more players have not made themselves available for the national team, which is attempting to qualify for the next World Cup.

Ten new caps have been selected in the 28-strong Manusina squad which will contest the Oceania Championship in Lautoka from next week.

Samoa will be vying with Tonga, Papua New Guinea and hosts Fiji for top spot in the regional qualifier, with the winner earning a place at the 2021 World Cup in New Zealand, while the beaten finalist will advance to a final repechage event.

Coach Ramsey Tomokino wanted a more settled squad but told Vinnie Wylie that because of unavailability, injury, pregnancy and other reasons that wasn't possible.

The Fijiana and Manu Sina played each other for the first time since 2006.

The Fijiana and Manu Sina played each other for the first time since 2006. Photo: Oceania Rugby