The Manu Samoa Rugby World Cup squad has arrived safely in Leicestershire, England. The team is recovering from more than 24 hours of travel all the way from Auckland through London and right into the heart of Leicestershire.

Manu Samoa are now in to their second day of training at the University, eagerly rearing for their first warm up game against the Harlequins on Friday the 17th August, followed by Northhampton on the 19th August.

"We're all here on a mission for our country, so I don't expect anything less from all the players," Coach La'auli Michael Jones said, reflecting on the determination in training witnessed thus far. He added: "The focus is now on these warm up games and to get our combinations in order, which is what we seek to achieve in England, before taking on the Springboks in Paris'.

The motivated squad has now settled comfortably at Lougborough University, a world class sporting and academic institution. Having recovered from jetlag the team is in good spirits, much to the delight of Management. According to Team Manager Leota Kenape Tu'uau a sense of anticipation is in the air. "The atmosphere has been tremendous so far, with a feeling of excitement bubbling amidst the team, despite the arduous travel time involved in getting here," he said.

The squad is thrilled with the training facilities at Loughborough University.
The University boasts world class training facilities including an array of gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor running tracks and various multi purpose pitches, much to the satisfaction of the squad. Loughborough University dates from 1909, today it is world renowned for its excellence in teaching and research, strong links with industry and unrivalled sporting achievement.
The University currently hosts the National Cricket Academy, National British Swimming squad and the English Institute of Sport. SRU High Performance Manager and Tour Logistics Manager Peter Horne said: "The facilities are superb, which will no doubt be used to great effect by the Manu."

Manu Samoa will be hosted at the Loughborough University until the 31st August, when they will leave for Courtyard Neuilly in Paris to prepare for their first Rugby World Cup pool games against South Africa on the 9th September.

The team will be staging a Press Conference and Media Launch in conjunction with major Sponsors PUMA (ENDS]

For More information Contact:

Loughborough:
Phone: 01059 226120
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Sports Reception
Sports Development Centre
Loughborough University
Leicestershire
LE113TU

Samoa:
Samoa Rugby Union
Phone: (0685) 24986 - 26792
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