Mapusua to chase Cup dream overseas

Seilala Mapusua has played 68 games for Otago; only teammate Anton Oliver has played more. Marty Melville / Getty Images

Seilala Mapusua has answered the call of the Irish and the promise of the Samoan spotlight and decided, with some regrets, to leave Otago.

Mapusua yesterday announced he had signed a two-year contract with the London Irish club to play in the English premiership.

And he has declared, for the first time, his allegiance to Samoa and his desire to represent the country of his birth at the World Cup next year.

He will head to London in October after completing his seventh season in the Otago jersey.

"I made it clear I wanted to stay and fulfil my contract with Otago," said Mapusua yesterday. "That was really important to me. I want to finish things properly. Actually, Nick Evans also told me I couldn't leave until I won something."

Mapusua gave his trademark chuckle when asked if he had any Irish ancestry. His interest in London Irish was boosted after a warm appraisal from his friend and former New Zealand age group teammate Riki Flutey, who plays for the club along with former Taranaki winger Sailosi Tagicakibau.

Pursuing a career overseas had always been an option, Mapusua said.

"It was only when a couple of clubs came forward and spoke to me that I realised it was a good option. It's a good time for me to look overseas."

Samoan management have made no secret in recent years that they are keen on Mapusua. The burly midfielder played two tests for the Pacific Islanders two years ago but refused to shelve his dreams of being an All Black.

"Playing for Samoa is a big drawcard. I've dreamed of playing at the World Cup, and that's part of the equation."

Mapusua hopes he may get a chance to play against the All Blacks, something he was denied when he served a one-game suspension for the Pacific Islanders.

He has adopted Dunedin since moving there after leaving Wesley College in Auckland. Of the present squad, only Anton Oliver has played more games for Otago.

Mapusua, who will leave a major hole in both the Highlanders and Otago, did not particularly enjoy telling his teammates he was leaving.

"The guys are happy for me and they understand. I'm not the first to head overseas and I definitely won't be the last."

Mapusua will be accompanied by his partner, Ana, and her 3-year-old son, Jaquan.

He lists the Highlanders' wins against the Blues in Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy games and Otago's effort in reaching NPC finals in 2001 and 2005 as the highlights of his domestic career. 


Seilala Mapusua

Position: Second five-eighths or centre.
Age: 26.
Test career: Two tests for Pacific Islanders in 2004.
Super 14 career: 47 games for the Highlanders, 2002-06, five tries.
Provincial career: 68 games for Otago, 2000-05, 12 tries; one game for Counties-Manukau, 1998.
Other teams: New Zealand Schools, 1998; New Zealand under-19, 1998-99; New Zealand under-21, 2000-01.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES