74-capped Wallaby Scott Sio will look to guide Samoa to the 2027 Rugby World Cup after being named in the squad for the Final Qualification Tournament.
Sio follows in the footsteps of his father David, who played in the 1991 Rugby World Cup for Manu Samoa.
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In fact, he was named Scott after being born three days before Western Samoa were set to play Scotland in the quarter-final of that tournament.
The 34-year-old recently became eligible for the island nation, last pulling on the gold jersey in September 2022 against New Zealand.
Sio headlines a strong Samoa squad set to fight for the final spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup after going down to Chile last month.
Former Brumby Rodney Iona has also been named, set to share the playmaking duties with Duncan Paia’aua, who was part of the Wallabies squad in 2021.
Moana Pasifika hooker Millennium Sanerivi is in line for his Test debut, one of several from the team alongside the likes of Miracle Faiilagi, Lalamilo Lalamilo and Jonathan Taumateine.
Saracens lock Theo McFarland is set to captain the side as one of several overseas stars to go with Abraham Papalii and Jacob Umaga, nephew of legendary All Black and Moana Pasifika coach Tana.
Samoa will battle Belgium, Namibia and Brazil for the final spot at the World Cup in Australia in a three round tournament in Dubai.
The tournament has also seen some controversy, with the Brazilians taking Paraguay’s spot after they were forced to withdraw.
Paraguay defeated Brazil in the South American playoff; however, it fielded an ineligible player in the playoff games.
“This is a difficult moment for our team and our community, but it's a decision we must make as men of principle, in keeping with rugby’s core value of integrity. The Regulation 8 provision on player eligibility was misunderstood; there was no attempt to gain a sporting advantage, and we accept responsibility for the resulting consequences,” Paraguayan Rugby Union President Gustavo Borgognon said
