Manu Sāmoa build for Rugby World Cup 2027 with focus on forwards and leadership - coach

Manu Sāmoa are quietly shaping a Rugby World Cup squad capable of competing on the global stage, with a forward pack that sets the tone and experienced leaders returning to guide the next generation.

The focus on forwards and leadership comes off the back of Manu Sāmoa’s 13-13 draw with Belgium last week, a result that booked their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia - their 10th appearance - and set the stage for the team’s next phase of preparation.

Speaking with Tuilagi William Leolahi on Pacific Huddle, Manu's assistant coach, Census Johnston, highlighted the importance of the forwards in controlling games and maintaining momentum.

“The unseen work was crucial," he says. "The boys were able ... to get a lot of consistency in the set piece, but it was about ... making smart decisions when we couldn’t get the result immediately. That control of momentum was key for us."

Johnston is a proud Sāmoan rugby stalwart whose power, humility, and leadership shaped clubs across Europe and the Manu Sāmoa jersey, inspiring Pacific athletes with his journey on and off the field.

He also stressed how returning stars have bolstered the team. Players like Miracle Fai’ilagi, Jonathan Taumateine, and Niko Jones provided leadership and stability, guiding younger players and lifting morale.

Manu Sāmoa players and team officials celebrate in Dubai after securing their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Photo/Facebook/Manu Sāmoa

“Having a star-studded forward pack available was .... a huge relief. Their leadership was a huge benefit, and everyone around rugby was delighted to see them back ....in the fold."

Johnston says they will lean on this mix of experience and forward strength as they prepare for the Australia 2027 RWC.

He adds that the coaching team plans to maintain a core group while gradually integrating emerging talent over the next two years.

"The core group will come from the boys that we had on the last tour," he tells Tuilagi. "There are a couple of new players coming through, and over the next few months we’ll work on how they fit into the squad.”

The Belgium result confirmed Sāmoa’s World Cup qualification but dropped them to 17th on the World Rugby rankings, ahead of the 2026 Test window. Fiji are the only Pacific nation in the top 10, in eighth place, while Tonga is in 19th.

Sāmoa head coach Lemalu Tusiata 'Tusi' Pisi has echoed Johnston’s focus on leadership and culture.

“It’s about building a strong foundation, not just on the field but off it as well," he says. "We want these boys to understand the pride of wearing the jersey, the history, and the responsibility that comes with it."

Johnston also spoke about the pressure of World Cup qualification and the role of the Sāmoan diaspora in supporting the team.

Manu Sāmoa shifts its attention to building depth and developing new talent as the team prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Photo/Facebook/Manu Sāmoa

“As players, any support is awesome. We received so many messages from ex-players and families, it goes a long way, and it’s important the boys feel that.”

Former All Black halfback Ofisa Junior Tonuʻu has cautioned that, for Pacific rugby to truly rise, passion must be matched by better organisation.

"Sāmoa is the people’s team,” he tells Tuilagi, but adds that “stronger governance, fresh leadership, and real investment” are needed if they want to compete long term.

The team’s approach is clear, Johnston says: build a disciplined, smart, and well-led squad that can handle pressure and compete with the world’s best.

With two years to prepare, he says Sāmoa are focusing on creating a team that is as strong in character as it is in skill.

Listen to Census Johnston's full interview below.

This article has been updated to correct the names of the three Manu Sāmoa players in paragraph six. We regret the error.