Tuimavave targets place in Samoa’s World Cup squad

Hull KR prop Evarn Tuimavave has targeted a place in Samoa‘s World Cup squad after recovering from a calf injury. 

Tuimavave, 28, is two games into his return and featured in Rovers’ 28-18 win against Bradford at the weekend.

He represented New Zealand at the 2008 World Cup and while a place in the Kiwis’ side isn’t entirely out of the question this time around, Tuimavave is more optimistic about his chances of making the Samoa squad. 

He said: “Firstly, I want to get through the rest of the season with Rovers.

“After that, it would be awesome to be involved in the World Cup. To win it with New Zealand was an amazing experience, which has given me good memories for the rest of my life.

“I don’t think I have much chance of playing for New Zealand again, but there is a chance I could play for Samoa.

“However, they have a very strong squad so I might miss out. I’ll just have to wait and see what happens later in the year. First and foremost I want to finish the season well with Rovers and get them to the play-offs.”

Samoa were drawn in Group B for the World Cup and will face New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and France in the group stages.