About Manu Samoa - One of Rugby's Most Passionate Nations
Samoa have a proud and storied rugby history that punches well above the weight of a nation with a population under 200,000. Known officially as Manu Samoa, they have regularly upset the established rugby order on the world stage, beating Wales at the 1991 World Cup, Argentina in 1995 and the Wallabies in 2011. Their physicality, skill and sheer passion for the game has earned them enormous respect across the rugby world.
The Siva Tau - Samoa's pre-match challenge - is one of the most powerful and culturally significant rituals in international rugby, a genuine statement of identity and intent before every game. Wearing the Samoa shirt is about more than supporting a team. For many fans, particularly those in the large Samoan diaspora communities across New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the United States, it carries real cultural meaning.
Manu Samoa and Lakapi Samoa - What's the Difference?
You'll notice both names appear across the kit on this page and that can be a little confusing if you're not familiar with the two terms.
Manu Samoa is the name of the national team - the players who take the field. "Manu" means animal or beast in Samoan, reflecting the physicality and ferocity the team bring to every match. Lakapi Samoa is the governing body - the national rugby union that administers the sport in Samoa.
"Lakapi" is simply the Samoan word for rugby. It was previously known as the Samoa Rugby Union before rebranding in 2020. So when you see "Lakapi Samoa" on a training tee or hoodie, you're wearing the branding of the union itself. When you see "Manu Samoa" on a match jersey, that's the team name. Both are official and both are correct — they just refer to different things.
The Current Manu Samoa Kit - Dynasty
The current Manu Samoa match and training kit is produced by Dynasty, who took over the Samoa contract from Samurai. The Dynasty range available here includes the home replica jersey, training tee, training singlet, gym shorts in blue and navy, performance hoodie and the Lakapi Samoa beanie. The Dynasty kit carries intricate Samoan design elements reflecting the culture and heritage of the islands.
Gilbert Samoa Rugby Balls
Alongside the kit, we stock two Gilbert Samoa balls - the replica size 5 and the supporters ball. The replica ball is a great gift for any Samoa fan, particularly for those who want something that goes beyond a shirt. The supporters ball is a more affordable option and equally popular as a display piece or casual gift.