Hautapu Sports’ Melina Salale is chasing her long-standing goal to play at this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup for Manusina, the Samoan national team.
Salale, who joined Hautapu Sports this year, made her debut for Manusina at the Oceania Women’s Rugby Championship in Sigatoka, Fiji, on Tuesday June 10, 2025.
She was one of seven players making their first appearance in the national colours, and Samoa beat Tonga 64-14 after leading 33-7 at half-time. Starting fullback Salale kicked two conversions to score her first points for her country.
Manusina will play Fiji in the final of the Oceania Championships on Saturday (June 14, 2025).
Melina Salale is now in contention for a place in the Manusina squad to go to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August.
Main photo: Melina Salale … competing for a place in Samoa’s World Cup squad. Photo credit: Penina Pasifika social media.
Originally from Tokoroa, she has played her rugby across the South Waikato, with Southern United RFC (SURF) and Putaruru, before the move to Hautapu.
Last year, she won selection to the Waikato women’s development squad.
“Her aiga (family) hail from the villages of Salelologa and Afega, and we know they will be incredibly proud of this achievement,” head coach of Hautapu’s Women’s Premiership squad, Rob Loto, said.
“We commend the commitment, resilience, and focus she has shown to reach this level.
“On behalf of everyone at Hautapu Sports Club, we congratulate Mel and her wider aiga and wish her all the very best as she continues on this exciting journey.”
Salale’s selection for Samoa followed her performances earlier in the year for the Penina Pasifika team, a newly-formed squad that toured Australia, playing against all four Australian Super Rugby Women’s teams, an experience that helped prepare her for the step-up to international level.
After the Oceania tournament, Manusina’s next game is against Australia in Canberra on June 28, with both teams planning to use the game to prepare for the World Cup in England.
The Wallaroos will play Manusina in the opening round of World Cup games at Salford on August 23.
Manusina will face England, Australia and the United States in Group A of the 16-nation event.
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