Samoa 7s team to be without 4 prominent players

The Manu Samoa 7's team will be without the services of four prominent players at the New Zealand and Las Vegas 7's

This is after Tom Iosefo, Afa Aiono, Alatasi Tupou and Fautua Otto have all been excluded from the final 12 member team due to injuries.

Head Coach, Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua has told the Talamua newspaper that losing four of his most experienced players may be a major setback for them in the two tournaments.

Five new caps have also been included in the Manu Samoa 7's team and they are Lafaele Va’a, Sam Franklin, Tain Lam, Jonathan Malo and Jay Saena.

Veteran back Lolo Lui has also been included in the squad with Reupena Levasa.

Samoa is grouped with Kenya, Scotland and Argentina in pool D.

The New Zealand Sevens will be held next Friday and Saturday.

Samoa squad:

FORWARDS: Reupena Levasa, Lafaele Va’a, Sam Franklin, Tain Lam and Greg Foe.

BACKS: Sonny Niue, Lolo Lui, Tulolo Tulolo, Samoa Toloa, Tila Mealoa, Jonathan Malo, Tim Nanai, Fomai Ah Ki.