MANU SAMOA 7S HIT WITH INJURIES
Manu Samoa Sevens team
Photo: Coconet
As they prepare for the last leg of the 2022–23 HSBC series in London on May 20–21, 2023, the Manu Samoa 7s team has been given a setback with many of its players suffering injuries.
Prior to the Toulouse 7s, a group of 14 players traveled for a one-week training camp in Dubai without Owen Niue and Tuna Tuitama, who were not chosen due to disciplinary issues.
Unfortunately, two days before leaving for the Toulouse competition, injuries struck Steve Rimoni (knee) and BJ Lima (dislocated elbow). As a result, they returned to New Zealand to visit doctors and were replaced by Taleta Tupuola (France).
The Toulouse 7s was our toughest tournament to date, with players getting hurt and Taunuu Niulevaea receiving a three-match suspension for a high tackle in our opening pool match against Ireland.
During the second pool match against Japan, Paul Scanlan suffered a major shoulder injury and was forced to miss 8 weeks of action.
Additionally excluded from London are Levi Milford (knee injury) and Faamaoni Suetena (concussion). Va'a Maliko, Neueli Leitufia, and Taunuu Niulevaea, who all had minor hip injuries during the Toulouse match, continued to play and will be eligible for London.