Sāmoan-Cook Islands Manusina star reflects on historic RWC spot

One of Sāmoa’s national women’s rugby team heroes, who recently secured a 2025 Rugby World Cup spot, says their historic victory was indescribable.

Tight-head Tori Iosefo returned from Dubai, where she helped her Manusina team secure a place in next year’s RWC in England.

The 29-year-old balances her rugby career with studies, teaching, and motherhood, saying she was proud and excited to be a part of the historic win.

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Iosefo said the journey with the Manusina was incredible.

"Being back in the space is amazing but to win on home soil that's just another feeling you can't even explain," Iosefo said.

"For us Pasifika, it's a very emotional thing so being able to qualify, [to] be part of the team that has qualified for the World Cup, that means a lot.

"That's not something I've been driving to but now the doors, I've got my foot in the door. I really do want to try and make at least make a World Cup in my lifetime."

Watch the full interview via 531pi's FB below:

Representing both her Sāmoan and Cook Islands heritage, Iosefo said she felt that playing for Manusina carried a deep cultural and emotional significance.

For Iosefo and many of her teammates, representing Sāmoa in international competitions was more than sport as it extended to honouring heritage, family, and community.

The journey to international rugby stardom was not straightforward for Iosefo, who began her career as a winger in local club rugby in New Zealand before moving to the prop position.

She credited her family’s support and her faith as cornerstones in her career, saying "rugby's in my blood".

"Mum is still jamming, she just turned 50 this year.

"But to play up with her again this year, just rugby's in the blood, so that's why I got to carry it on.

“My family’s support has been crucial, especially balancing my roles as a student, teacher, and mother.”

Next up - 2025 Rugby World Cup. Photo/Unsplash.

Reflecting on the progress of Pacific women’s rugby, Iosefo believes the sport’s growth offers young women a pathway to pursue their athletic and cultural identities.

"There might be some things that we strive for and want more of but with the Pasifika team, it's the jersey that means a lot.

"It's cool to play for New Zealand and everything but for us Pasifika, it's a bigger thing to play for your home country."

For young women looking up to her, Iosefo has some advice, "go hard in everything".

"If one door closes, there's another door that's going to open, that's happened to me.

"Us Pasifika do not forget your God, do not forget your faith, and listen to your parents.

"Have that belief that you just keep going, don't stop until the wheels fall off."