Just a few days after Moana Pasifika announced Wellington coach Alando Soakai was joining their coaching staff, another former Highlanders and Otago player has signed up.
Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua will be joining them as backs and skills coach for the next two years.
The former bustling midfielder played 68 games for Otago and 51 for the Highlanders.
He played 26 tests for Manu Samoa and was part of the team that famously beat Australia 32-23 in 2011.
The 44-year-old also coached Manu Samoa for four years which included the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Mapusua has coached several current Moana Pasifika players with Samoa, including James Lay, Sama Malolo, Jonathan Taumateine and Miracle Fai’ilagi.
"There’s a feeling of home and familiarity, and a real excitement around being able to contribute to the continued growth of Pacific rugby," Mapusua said.
"Everything about the direction that Moana is heading speaks to me as a Samoan, as a Pacific Islander and as a rugby coach. It all aligns with what I value and it’s another step for me in terms of my own journey.
"That pursuit of taking this team to a place it hasn’t been before is exciting."
Mapusua said the support of wife Ana, adult son Jaquan and young children Seilala jun and Ofusina had been immense.
Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga said Mapusua was a "tremendous addition" to the club.
"I’ve had the privilege of working with him during my time with Manu Samoa and I’m looking forward to now working with him in Super Rugby," Umaga said.
"His rugby knowledge and attention to detail will be of huge benefit to the players and the team. He also leads with action and his commitment and pride in serving our Pasifika people is second to none."
Mapusua was born in Moto’otua, Samoa and grew up in Wellington, attending Wesley College in Auckland.
After leaving Dunedin, he spent a decade overseas in England and Japan.
Mapusua made 126 appearances for the London Irish, 31 appearances for the Kubota Spears and 25 for the Kamaishi Seawaves.
— APL
