Congratulations, Manusina! Samoa has officially secured its spot in the 2026 Women's Rugby World Cup after a hard-fought 46 - 15 victory over Madagascar in the WXV3 competition. It's been a long 12 years since the Manusina team last took the World Cup stage in 2014, but they're ready to make their mark once again!
Manusina's success can be credited to dedication, grit, and a strong team spirit. Head coach Mata'afa Ramsey Tomokino highlighted that the team's winning streak is a result of having time together and maintaining consistency in selections. This unity has been key to their journey back to the world stage.
Team captain Pauaraisa reflected on the values that have guided Manusina through every match. As Samoan women, she says they've leaned on their faith and focused on their own unique journey rather than comparing themselves to the high-profile Manu Samoa team. “We carried ourselves with humility and respect; we just got on with it, and God blessed us by qualifying for the World Cup,” she shared. The captain emphasized that their collective heart was in every play, with a goal to keep building and learning.
Special thanks to RNZ for sharing the insights into this incredible achievement! The journey to the Rugby World Cup is about more than just winning games—it's about representing Samoan resilience, faith, and pride on a global stage. Here's to Manusina as they continue to build a legacy.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, November 2024 (Vol. 1 No. 7).
November 2024 · Digital Magazine
