Haas commits to Samoa in massive boost for Pacific nation

Payne Haas has significantly strengthened Samoa's participation in the upcoming Pacific Championships and World Cup by pledging to represent the nation.

Regarded as one of the top props in rugby, Haas made his announcement during a press conference in Brisbane, expressing his pride in representing his Samoan heritage in the end-of-season Pacific Cup, where Samoa will face Tonga and New Zealand.

Having made history as the first Pacific team to reach a World Cup final in 2022, Samoa is set to compete against the Kiwis on October 19 at Go Media Stadium, followed by a much-anticipated encounter with Tonga at Suncorp Stadium on October 26.

Ticket sales for the match against Samoa are already strong, and Haas's involvement is expected to boost attendance, potentially exceeding the turnout for last year's Australia-Tonga game at Suncorp Stadium.

Toa Samoa's coach, Ben Gardiner, hopes that other players like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuia-Fidow will also commit to the national team, although he emphasized that the focus of the recent announcement was on Haas.

The Broncos superstar mentioned that he had always wanted to honor his heritage, particularly after competing against Samoa in the 2023 Pacific Championships.

Haas's family ties to Samoa are strong; his uncle, Mark Taufua, who is the brother of Haas's mother, Joan, played in the 2013 World Cup and currently holds a position within Samoa's coaching staff.