Manu Samoa unlikely to use 7s qualifying loophole

Samoa 7s coach Sir Gordon Tietjens says he's had no discussions with players wanting to switch their international allegiance to the Manu in time for the 2019 Rugby World Cup or Tokyo Olympics.

Four years ago Tim Nanai‑Williams switched allegiance from New Zealand to Samoa, playing in four tournaments on the global sevens circuit to make himself eligible for the Manu Samoa fifteen‑a‑side team.

The criteria has since changed, with players wanting to switch now required to compete in five tournaments in the current sevens season, which doubles as an Olympic qualifier, provided they have a passport for the second country and have completed a minimum three year stand‑down period.

Former All Blacks Ma'a Nonu, Victor Vito and Isaia Toeava and are among the names that have been popped up as experienced internationals who might want to revive their test careers with the Manu in 2019.

All three have played sevens for New Zealand under Sir Gordon Tietjens but the veteran coach said, while there's been a lot of speculation, he has not spoken with any players about coming into the sevens fold this season.

[Source: Radio NZ]