Rugby Union confirms new Manu Samoa coach

23 December 2015, 12:00AM

It’s official. Namulauulu Alama Ieremia has been confirmed as the new Head Coach of the Manu Samoa.

The announcement was made by the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U) yesterday, in a statement sent to media.

The statement said Namulauulu will lead the coaching of all Samoa’s national teams, as well as coaching the Manu Samoa.

The announcement comes after the S.R.U. endorsed Namulauulu in a board meeting on Tuesday night.

A five-person panel – chaired by former All Blacks captain Graham Mourie and made up of S.R.U. and World Rugby representatives - recommended Namulauulu’s appointment, following a contestable process that attracted applications from all around the world.

S.R.U. Chief Executive Officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai said the announcement represented another giant step in the modernisation of Samoan rugby, to develop and grow the game in Samoa, and to develop winning teams. 

“We are delighted that Namulauulu will lead our coaching programme, in particular, taking on the Head Coach role for Manu Samoa. We are fortunate that one of our own sons has been emerged from a highly competitive process, as the best choice for Samoa rugby. 

“As a professional coach, he knows what is required to deliver results, and as a Samoan, he understands the humility he will need to rebuild support for the team. “While there were some very competitive applications, Namulauulu’s experience as a leader, his communications skills, and immense knowledge and experience in coaching made him a stand-out candidate.

“We know that Namulauulu shares our vision and desire for the Manu Samoa to be successful on the international stage. He has the playing and coaching pedigree to ensure our national team is organised, professional, competitive, and playing the type of exciting rugby we know is possible.

“We will now begin work on helping to build a solid team of coaches and management around Namulauulu. We congratulate him and wish him the very best,” Faleomavaega said.

“I am honoured and humbled to be chosen for this position. I am realistic about the challenges that face our Union and our rugby teams. It’s exciting to be part of the changes at S.R.U. and my first priority will be to align how we develop our work on the field, with the priorities set off the field,” said Namulauulu, in a statement.

23 December 2015, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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