A captain is one of the most honorable roles one can carry in the world of sports. A captain is more than just a talented player. A captain is someone who is respected amongst their peers and coaches. It’s about being trustworthy, dependable, and the heartbeat of the team. When it comes to Manu Samoa Rugby’s captain, Theo McFarland, those values couldn’t be more fitting. From hooping with the Samoan national team to signing a contract with one of the top English rugby teams, Saracens, and eventually being named captain for Manu Samoa, Theo McFarland’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and a leap of faith.
Early Life & Upbringing
Before the contracts, recognition, and the honor of wearing the captain’s armband, Theo McFarland was just a young Samoan kid idolizing Manu Samoa rugby. He grew up in the villages of Aleisa, Salelologa, and Vaigaga in Samoa and is the second youngest of eight siblings. McFarland was surrounded by family, watching Manu Samoa rugby games and playing backyard rugby with his brothers.
In Samoa, rugby is more than just a game. It is a way of life. It is a source of community, identity, and hope. McFarland played rugby for Pesega College in high school and club rugby for his village team, the Moamoa Roosters.
Basketball and the Turning Point
But rugby wasn’t McFarland’s only passion. He was also a standout basketball player and captained the Samoan National Team in 2019. At first, basketball was his Plan A. Standing at 6’6″, his frame made him a natural fit for professional basketball.
However, plans changed. While balancing both sports, McFarland worked as a debt collector to support himself. In a 2022 article by Jamie Lyall, McFarland admitted that the job weighed on him mentally. He realized he was impacting his community in ways that didn’t sit right with him. Everything shifted after the 2019 Pacific Nations Basketball Tournament when Brian Lima, a former Manu Samoa star and coach at the time, saw something in McFarland and encouraged him to join the Manu Samoa team.
Rise in Rugby
From 2019 to 2021, McFarland was making a name for himself in the rugby world. He tried out in Japan for the Panasonic Wild Knights and nearly had a contract lined up in the U.S. for the Dallas Jackals. But it was during his time with Manu Samoa that he caught the attention of Saracens, one of the top rugby teams in Europe. In 2021, he signed a long-term contract with Saracens.
McFarland’s debut season was electric. He fit in immediately, made 26 appearances, earned Try of the Year honors, and quickly became a fan favorite. His basketball background gave him a unique mix of athleticism and grace on the field. It is something that cannot be taught.
Leadership and Character
Three years later, McFarland was named captain of Manu Samoa. Former head coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger said in 2024, “McFarland was selected because of his outstanding character and his leadership abilities. He was built for Manu Samoa in terms of his leadership, someone with strong character, and true to himself and his ways of leading.”
Current coach Lemalu Pisi added, “He’s a superstar… he leads by his actions, knows what to say, and has played with great leaders at Saracens. He is just great around the group.”
These comments speak volumes about McFarland’s character. He is a man of action, a great teammate, and a strong leader.
Faith and Foundation
But what truly shapes McFarland isn’t just what he does on the field. It is how he carries himself off it. Born and raised in the LDS Church, his faith has remained a steady anchor in his life. He gives full credit to the Church for helping shape the person and leader he has become.
In a 2022 article by Samoa Global News, McFarland shared, “I was born into the Church and I know it’s one of the main reasons I am where I am today in terms of the environment, the Gospel teachings, the people I grew up with and the people around me.” He continued, “The Church definitely one hundred percent got me to where I am today.”
For McFarland, faith is not something separate from rugby. It influences how he lives his life, how he treats people, and how he leads. On and off the field, McFarland represents Samoa with pride, grounded and lifted by his beliefs.
Humility and Legacy
McFarland’s humility goes hand in hand with his faith. Despite everything he has achieved, he remains grounded, calm, and collected. His humility is a reflection of the adversity he has overcome in pursuing his dreams.
In the short film ALII Project Manu Chapter 1: The Warrior, McFarland shared, “Life in Samoa isn’t easy, especially when you’re trying to pursue a career.” He spoke about his responsibility to the next generation, saying, “The younger generation is always looking.” That mindset drives him to keep striving, not only for himself but for those who come after him.
In another 2022 interview with Jamie Lyall, McFarland reflected, “You look at where you are now and where you started, and you’re grateful. I love where I grew up, I wouldn’t change that. Humble beginnings.”
Final Reflections
McFarland’s humility reflects a man who hasn’t forgotten where he comes from, a man who values the journey just as much as the destination. He continues to carry the weight of that journey with honor, using it to inspire the next generation.
And that is what makes Theo McFarland more than just a rugby player. He is a figure of hope and pride for Samoa and for the next generation of Pacific Islanders. On the global stage, he represents more than just himself. He carries the dreams of every kid on the islands, every family praying for opportunity, and every Pacific Islander chasing something bigger.
From the villages of Samoa to the international spotlight, Theo McFarland’s path is rooted in faith, humility, and a deep love for his people. He is a man of action, not just as the captain of Manu Samoa but as a role model. He walks with pride and purpose. No matter how far he goes, one thing will remain: he will always carry Samoa with him, and Samoa will always carry him back.
