Mapusua coached Manu Samoa for four years, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Moana Pasifika has added former Manu Samoa head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua to its coaching group for 2025 and 2026.
The former midfielder coached Manu Samoa for four years, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Mapusua, 44, has played 26 tests for Manu Samoa.
He joins the Moana Pasifika set-up as the backs and skills coach.
Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said his rugby knowledge and attention to detail will be of huge benefit to the players and the team.
"There's a feeling of home and familiarity, and a real excitement around being able to contribute to the continued growth of Pacific rugby," Mapusua said.
"What Fa'alogo (Tana) is creating here is pretty awesome and I'm really looking forward to contributing to that.
"Everything about the direction that Moana is heading speaks to me as a Samoan, as a Pacific Islander and as a rugby coach. It all aligns with what I value and it's another step for me in terms of my own journey."
"That pursuit of taking this team to a place it hasn't been before is exciting."