Saints trio make Samoa World Cup squad

But full-back Ahsee Tuala misses out, despite impressing in the recent run to the Pacific Nations Cup final, where Samoa lost 39-29 to Fiji.

Former Saints back Fa’atoina Autagavaia is included, along with the likes of Leicester prop Logovi’i Mulipola and London Irish flanker Ofisa Treviranus.

Samoa start their World Cup campaign against USA on September 20, with games against South Africa, Japan and Scotland to follow in Pool B.

“We’ve had some challenges with injuries ruling out valuable players such as James Johnston, Pele Cowley & David Lemi,” Samoa coach Stephen Betham.

“This has been an incredibly difficult selection process. We have had to leave behind some excellent players.

“We cannot take everyone, and there is comfort in knowing that we have depth should we need to call on it.”

Samoa World Cup squad: Viliamu Afatia, Jake Grey, Logovii Mulipola, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Wayne Ole Avei, Ma’atulimanu Leiataua, Motu Matu’u, Faatiga Lemalu, Teofilo Paulo, Kane Thompson, Iosefa Tekori, Maurie Faasavalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam, Vavae Tuilagi, Ofisa Treviranus (c), Vavao Afemai, Kahn Fotuali’i, Patrick Fa’apale, Tusiata Pisi, Mike Stanley, Rey Lee Lo, Johnny Leota, George Pisi, Paul Perez, Fa’atoina Autagavaia, Ken Pisi, Tim Nanai-Williams, Alesana Tuilagi (vice captain)