Seilala Mapusua


Seilala Mapusua is a Samoan rugby player currently playing with the Kubota Spears of the Japanese Top League. Prior to his move to Japan in 2011, he also had long stints with the Highlanders in Super Rugby and London Irish in the Aviva Premiership.

Playing career

New Zealand

Mapusua grew up in Wellington, New Zealand and attended school at Wesley College in Auckland moving south to join Otago for the 2000 provincial season. His strong performances for Otago saw him earn a contract with the Highlanders for the 2002 Super 12 season and he remained a fixture for both Otago and the Highlanders through 2006. By the time he left New Zealand he was only the fifth back to have played more than 50 games for the Highlanders.

England

Mapusua joined London Irish for the 2006–07 Guinness Premiership, and immediately established himself as a top player for the side, scoring 4 tries in 22 matches. He was named the team's top newcomer for his efforts.
In 2008–09, he would have a towering season for London Irish, scoring 9 tries in 27 matches in all competitions and leading the club to the Premiership final. At the conclusion of the season he was named the PRA Players' Player of the Season.
He continued as a regular starter through 2011, and by the conclusion of his stay in London had played 125 games with the side including 91 Premiership matches and 23 Heineken Cup contests.

Japan

In January 2011, Mapusua announced that he was signing in Japan with the Kubota Spears for the 2011–12 season.

International Play

Mapusua made his debut for Samoa against Japan on 17 June 2006 and represented Samoa in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
He has also been selected to the touring Pacific Islanders on three occasions.
Both of his test tries have come against Wales at the Millennium Stadium - for the Pacific Islanders on 11 November 2006, and for Samoa on 13 November 2009.