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McFarland praises impact of former All Blacks for Samoa's World Cup prep

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 13, 2026, 1:24 AM

Last updated Oct 13, 2026

McFarland praises impact of former All Blacks for Samoa's World Cup prep

Summary

Theo McFarland emphasized the significant influence of ex-All Blacks Shaun Stevenson, Akira Ioane, and Josh Ioane on Samoa's rugby squad as they gear up for next year's World Cup. The players are eligible to represent Samoa after a World Rugby law change. They are expected to debut in the upcoming Nations Cup against Zimbabwe, Portugal, and Spain. McFarland noted the importance of building team cohesion and adapting quickly to changes within Samoan rugby amid off-field challenges. He also reflected on his transition to La Rochelle in France, where he has started the season well.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•McFarland mentioned the major impact of new players ahead of the World Cup.
•Stevenson, Ioane, and Ioane are eligible to play due to a law change.
•Samoa will face Zimbabwe, Portugal, and Spain in the Nations Cup.
•Ongoing issues in Samoan rugby prompted a new governing body.
•McFarland is adapting well to his new club, La Rochelle.

Latest Updates

1:24 AMYahoo Sports — Samoa's McFarland welcomes 'massive' arrival of ex-All Blacks for World Cup run-in

What they're saying

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Experienced Samoa forward Theo McFarland said on Monday the addition of former New Zealand players in Shaun Stevenson, Akira Ioane and Josh Ioane will have a "massive" impact on the Pacific Islanders as they prepare for next year's World Cup."I think it's massive, especially with the World Cup around the corner," La Rochelle's McFarland told AFP. "They're quality players.
— Yahoo Sports

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