Former Otago and Highlanders midfield back Seilala Mapusua is to captain Samoa at the Rugby World Cup.
Mapusua (31), who will leave his London Irish club to join Japan's Kubota Spears after the tournament, was among a 30-man squad named by Samoa coach Fuimaono Tafua.
Mapusua first played for Otago in 2000 and eventually played 74 games in the blue and gold jersey, finishing his career with the union in 2006. He also played 50 games for the Highlanders from 2002-06.
Originally from South Auckland, Mapusua made New Zealand age-group sides but never made the final step to the All Blacks. He decided to play for Samoa when he left to play overseas.
Mapusua takes over the captaincy of the Samoan side from Highlanders hooker Mahonri Schwalger.
Also in the Samoan side are former Otago and Highlanders lock Filipo Levi and three other former Highlanders: prop Anthony Perenise, fullback Paul Williams and midfield back Johnny Leota.
Sailosi Tagicakibau, whose brother Michael will play for Fiji, is also named along with veteran fullback Williams.
Samoa, which beat Australia for the first time, 32-23, earlier this year, has caused two of the largest upsets in Rugby World Cup history, beating Wales at the 1991 and 1999 tournaments.
Forwards: Ole Avei, Maurie Faasavalu, Census Johnston, Filipo Lavea Levi, Daniel Leo, Logovi'i Mulipola, Ti'i Paulo, Anthony Perenise, Manaia Salavea, Mahonri Schwalger, George Stowers, Sakaria Taulafo, Joe Tekori, Kane Thompson, Ofisa Treviranus, Taiasina Tuifua.
Backs: Kahn Fotuali'i, David Lemi, Johnny Leota, Seilala Mapusua (captain), Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, Tasesa Lavea, Augustino Poluleuligaga, George Pisi, Tusi Pisi, James Sooialo, Jeremy Sua, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Alesana Tuilagi, Paul Williams.
