Manu Sāmoa’s last chance: Journey of resilience ahead of the Dubai repechage

With one chance at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Manu Sāmoa fullback Lolagi Visinia is confident despite a winless run.

After a string of unsuccessful attempts, Manu Sāmoa's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in Australia come down to one competition.

Despite a winless qualifying campaign so far, the veteran player remains optimistic about their team’s ability to turn things around.

Ahead of the Dubai repechage, Visina reflects on the challenges, personal loss, and his drive to inspire the next generation.

Speaking to Pacific Huddle, Visinia opened up about the challenges faced by the squad, saying he still believes they can secure their ticket to Australia.

“Obviously, it’s been tough lately, but I personally think… Sāmoa rugby will rise up and you know there will be a brighter future for up-and-coming players and teams in the future. I think all we can do is train hard and hopefully everything else in the background works out well”, Visinia says.

Manu Sāmoa will compete in the repechage tournament in Dubai from 8 to 18 November for the last remaining 2027 Rugby World Cup spot. The competition will comprise a pool of four teams, and Visinia says the Manu are eager to claim that final spot.

If Sāmoa fail to qualify, it will mark the first time they have missed a World Cup since 1991. For more information on the tournament click here.

“I know it has been tough, but I thank all the people and all the fans around the world that have been cheering on the boys. Hopefully the boys can get the job done, this is our last chance do or die… hopefully the boys can put everything into these last few games and qualify for the next World Cup,” Visinia says.

While the challenges on the field have tested him, it’s the personal struggles off the pitch that have impacted his outlook on life.

“You don’t know when you’re going to get injured or how, so I guess when that time comes it’s a big obstacle… I think for me I’ve had a few injuries and that’s kind of a setback for me and another factor is obviously losing your loved ones.

“I’ve lost a lot of loved ones throughout the last five, 10 years and that plays a huge impact as well because you do what you love for the people you love,” Visinia shares.

Manu Sāmoa team. Photo/Facebook

Balancing the demands of high-performance rugby with personal challenges can easily overwhelm even the most seasoned athletes. But for Visinia, it’s the simple joys of life back home, surrounded by love, that keeps him grounded.

“For me, it’s my partner and my dogs, so they keep me on my toes and also my partner as well. She’s been there throughout all the ups and lows, especially the lows… I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my partner, so I give thanks and love for everything she sacrificed for me as well,” Visinia says.

As player management becomes increasingly commercialised in professional rugby, Visinia highlights the importance of having an agent who does more than negotiate contracts. For Visinia, true representation means having someone who understands your personal situation and invests as much in your well-being as in your performance on the field.

“Go with someone that understands you, especially with a Polynesian background. There’s a lot of factors around upbringing and resources that you have and don’t have… So someone who would look after you.

“I think if you trust someone that knows their way around everything and is honest and will tell you straight up, I think that’s probably the right person you’d want to be with.”

While Manu Sāmoa’s campaign has not delivered the desired results so far, Visinia remains undeterred. He aims to leave a lasting legacy in the jersey.

“I aim to inspire a lot of young and up-and-coming Sāmoan rugby players, boys and girls, to strive to hopefully represent our nation. It’s a small nation, but for me, it’ll be special knowing that kids growing up are wanting to put on that blue jersey and represent their family and all their loved ones,” Visinia says.

Listen to Lolagi Visinia's full interview below.