The visiting Samoan Test squad will stage an Open Training Session at Granville Oval on Thursday afternoon from 2pm-3.30pm.
Junior Rugby players, members of the public and the media are invited to attend the session for the opportunity to meet the Samoan squad and pick up an autograph and a photo.
There will also be the chance to win tickets to the one-off Castrol Edge Rugby Test against the Qantas Wallabies at ANZ Stadium on Sunday July 17.
From the preliminary 25-man Samoan squad which was announced last week, 15 of the players will attend the training session, including Crusaders halfback Kahn Fotuali’i, captain Mo Schwalger, who was the hooker at the Highlanders and Anthony Perenise, who plays prop for the Hurricanes.
During his time at the Crusaders, Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans had six of the squad under his tutelage - prop Sakaria Taulafo, flyhalf Tusi Pisi, fullback Paul Williams – son of All Blacks great Bee Gee Williams, hooker Ti’i Paulo, halfback Lualua Vailoaloa and playmaker Fotuali’i.
James So’oialo, who is the younger brother of former Hurricanes captain Rodney So’oialo, has been included, while Leicester winger Alesana Tuilaga and Tasesa Lavea - ex Melbourne Storm, Northern Eagles, Blues and now Clermont player - also features.
The Samoan team to play the Qantas Wallabies will be announced on Thursday at 1pm.
A huge day full of family-friendly activity has been planned to coincide with the July 17 Test.
Rugby’s Ecumenical Service will begin at 10am in Cathy Freeman Park, opposite ANZ Stadium (flyer attached), before the Sunday Telegraph Family Fan Day gets underway from 11.30am-1.30pm, with kickoff at 2pm.
The Service, like all the activities planned, will be free of charge.
WHAT: MANU SAMOA OPEN TRAINING SESSION
WHEN: Thursday 14 July 2pm-3.30pm
WHERE: Granville Oval, Montrose Avenue, Merrylands
CONTACT: Samantha Broun 0405 143 258 or Michael Bell General Manager - Parramatta Rugby Club (02) 9636 1879 michael.bell@twobluesrugby.com.au
Please feel free to forward this invitation those you think might be interested in attending. All are welcome.
Manu Samoa touring squad:
Forwards: Sakaria Taulafo, Mahonri Schwalger (captain), Anthony Perenise, Daniel Leo, Kane Thompson, Taiasina Tuifu'a, Maurie Fa'asavalu, George Stowers, Ti’I Paulo, Logovi’I Mulipola, Filipo Levi
Backs: Lualua Vailoaloa, Tusiata Pisi, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Seilala Mapusua, George Pisi, Alesana Tuilagi, Paul Williams, Brenton Helleur, Tasesa Lavea, Eliota F Sapolu, James So’oialo, Timoteo Iosua, Kahn Fotuali’i
Tickets to the Qantas Wallabies Castrol Edge Test against Samoa are on sale now via www.Ticketek.com.au
