Samoa scrum-half Scott Malolua will not be participating in the Rugby World Cup after contracting a shoulder injury.
Scote Malolua suffered from a dislocated shoulder injury during a World Cup warm-up game against Australia's Wallabies, which they lost 34-15. Queensland Reds' Malolua will be sidelined for eight weeks due to the injury. Because of this, Samoa coach Steve Jackson selected Pele Cowley to replace Malolua on the team. Jackson said "We're all gutted for Scott, he was playing some good rugby. But we all understand that this is the nature of our game, so we just need to push forward to Japan."
Ponsonba RFC's Cowley was on vacation with his family in North Island, New Zealand when he learned of the selection to compete in the Rugby World Cup in Japan. Cowley said "It's an unfortunate circumstance in which to be called up, I really feel for Scotty. I actually know what it's like because the same thing happened to me in 2015 when I did my AC joint in the last game of the Pacific Nations Cup against Canada, which ruled me out of the World Cup."
The 26-year-old retired from playing rugby in 2018 due to the physical toll on his body between his full-time carpentry job and regular training. Reds coach Brad Thorn called him after James Tuttle suffered an achilles injury and he was able to play in the final three Super Rugby matches for Queensland. His performances in those games earned him a spot on the Samoa World Cup roster.
Samoa's flank and captain Jack Lam also took a knock to the eye during the game against the Wallabies but was able to join the team in Japan.
As part of the World Cup Pool A, Samoa will be facing Russia in their first match at Kumagaya on September 24. They will also have to play Scotland, Japan, and Ireland in their bracket.
