- Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane and Shaun Stevenson were confirmed in Samoa's 30-man squad announced earlier this month
- All three players previously represented the All Blacks but qualified for the switch under World Rugby's eligibility rules
- Samoa will face France, Japan and the United States at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia
Three players who previously represented the All Blacks have confirmed switches to Samoa, giving head coach Tusi Pisi a significant boost as the Pacific Island nation prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Source: Getty Images
Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane and Shaun Stevenson were all named in the 30-man Samoa squad announced earlier this month. Under World Rugby's eligibility rules, players may switch international allegiance once, provided they have been absent from Test rugby for at least three years and hold the necessary family or birth connections to their new nation.
Akira Ioane leads the trio
The most prominent of the three is Akira Ioane, who earned 21 caps for New Zealand between 2020 and 2022. A powerful ball carrier capable of operating at flanker or number eight, the former Blues forward made his Test debut against Australia before becoming a regular fixture in the All Blacks back row.
Josh Ioane, a fly-half who previously played for the Highlanders, received his only All Blacks cap against Tonga in 2019. Despite being regarded as one of New Zealand's most promising young playmakers at the time, he was unable to cement a permanent place in the Test squad. His ability to attack the line flat and create space could offer Samoa a distinctive option at number ten.
Source: Getty Images
Stevenson adds pace to Samoa
Shaun Stevenson rounds out the new arrivals. He earned his sole All Blacks appearance against Australia in 2023 after making his name with the Chiefs, where his pace, footwork and instinct for gaps made him a crowd favourite. His versatility across the back three gives Samoa added flexibility in selection.
The eligibility pathway that facilitated the switches has already benefited several Pacific Island nations, allowing them to recruit players who built careers with larger rugby unions before returning to their heritage nations.
Samoa have been drawn in a pool alongside France, Japan and the United States at the 2027 tournament. France will start as strong favourites to top the group, but the addition of three players with All Blacks experience strengthens Samoa's ambitions of challenging the remaining sides and advancing beyond the pool stage.
Jesse Kriel's brother named in USA squad
Briefly News previously reported that Dan Kriel, twin brother of Springbok Jesse Kriel, was included in the USA Eagles' extended 35-player squad for matches against Australia XV
The South African-born centre has been building his case for international eligibility after moving to the United States in 2022 to join Seattle Seawolves
Source: Briefly News
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