FORMER CROSSHAVEN RFC prop Jake Grey has been included in Samoa’s final 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.
The Samoans are part of Pool B in the tournament alongside South Africa, Scotland Japan and the US, with London Irish back row Ofisa Treviranus captaining Stephen Betham’s squad.
While the official deadline for squads to be named is 31 August, Betham has made an early move, bringing good news for one man with strong Irish connections.
31-year-old Grey originally arrived in Ireland in 2006 having played international rugby with Samoa’s U20 side, linking up with junior rugby club Crosshaven after being convinced to bring his talents to these shores.
Grey instantly established himself as a hugely popular member of the Cork side, impressing with his scrummaging ability and ball-carrying power, helping them to a Munster Junior Division 1 title in 2007.
The prop’s greatest moment with Crosshaven came in their thrilling All-Ireland Junior Cup success in 2011 with a team that also included lock Darren O’Shea, now in the Premiership with Worcester Warriors. Grey’s legendary status at the club was confirmed.
Grey eventually returned home in 2012 with the hope of featuring for his senior national team, working his way up through the ranks with the Samoa A team before making his Test debut against Japan in Tokyo in May of last year.
Grey has added a further three caps this summer in the Pacific Nations Cup, appearing off the bench against Canada and in both games versus Fiji. His form in those showings has now convinced Betham that the Crosshaven legend is worthy of a World Cup place.
There is certain to be strong support for Samoa from the Cork town as a result, with Grey remaining loved by all involved in the rugby club.
Jake left a huge impact on those involved with Crosshaven RFC and indeed the wider community during his time in Crosshaven,” said Crosshaven chairman Jack White.
“His prowess on the pitch earned him massive respect, but his friendly nature and willingness to always have a chat will ensure we’re all left with fond memories of the Samoa man. We at Crosshaven RFC wish Jake all the best at the World Cup and we will be cheering him on.”
Grey is part of a dangerous-looking squad that also includes Alesana Tuiliagi, Rey Lee Lo, Leicester prop Logovi’i Mulipola, Northampton scrum-half Kahn Fotuali’i, Pisi brothers Ken and George, as well as hard-hitting Hurricanes hooker Motu Matu’u.
Out-half Mike Stanley, who signed for Ulster on a short-term deal last season, is also part of the squad.
South Africa are heavily tipped to emerge as Pool B winners, but Betham and his men will have different ideas.
31-man Samoa World Cup squad:
Viliamu Afatia, Jake Grey, Logovii Mulipola, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Ole Avei, Manu Leiataua, Motu Matu’u, Faatiga Lemalu, Filo Paulo, Kane Thompson, Joe Tekori, Maurie Faasavalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam, Vavae Tuilagi, Ofisa Treviranus (captain), Vavao Afemai, Kahn Fotuali’i, Patrick Faapale, Tusiata Pisi, Mike Stanley, Rey Lee Lo, Johnny Leota, George Pisi, Paul Perez, Faatoina Autagavaia, Ken Pisi, Tim Nanai Williams, Alesana Tuilagi.
Mcdaids performance should be lauded the same way as Clifford’s and Walsh’s. Actually think mcdaid should get player of the year.
@Barry Newell: Mcdaid was unbelievable yesterday, MOTM for me.
@Barry Newell: Yes indeed, I’ve watched McDaid since the CShip started, He was excellent in every match . Scored Four points yesterday from Midfield- he is a powerhouse . Just a pity they have a habit of giving Man of the Match to the winning side. There was a case for JOINT Man of the Match there yesterday , — Walsh gave an exhibition .
I think everyone was expecting Kerry to annihilate Galway yesterday BUT Galway were brilliant. They might have been second best but that only happened when things began to unravel near the end. They have the tools and talent and have obviously bonded well that it is now only a matter of working on the finer points of the game before they start collecting several Sam’s over the coming years. As a Dub, I cannot help but admire the resilience of that Kerry team and even though they beat Galway and Dublin, in the game of the year, given their ‘resources’, I expected them to be more convincing against both Congratulations to both Kerry and Galway on a brilliant game and the real winners in the future will be the fans. I hope the Ulster teams will learn from these displays, get rid of ‘ possession football’ and incorporate the hidden skills they obviously have.
@Barrycelona: an Ulster team won Sam just 11 months ago or did that slip your mind
@Barrycelona: it might have Been because I was hungover but I thought the game was crap. Virtually no atmosphere for long periods and possession seemed to be what we were watching for the most part. Soft fouls as well are terrible to watch. I hate to back up hurling snobs but it’s such a better game to watch now.
Walsh was clear MOTM match IMO – even better than brilliant Clifford
Mayo next year me thinks?
Barrycelona Kerry had 14 men in their own half for much of the game it appears that they have adopted the Ulster way. One very bad Refereeing decision yesterday at a vital time in the game.
@Kevin Byrne: 2 very bad decisions in quick succession. Both teams scored from the frees so evened out.
A dour affair, we were all spoiled by the silky skills of the Dublin six-in-a-row team. Maybe next year.
@Jim O’Sullivan: are ya catching much lately Jim. Great time for fishing.
Rule is 4 steps – 7 or 8 by Walsh for one great point that should have been disallowed