Ross Taylor Comes Out of Retirement to Play for Samoa
Former New Zealand captain to represent his heritage at T20 World Cup regional qualifiers
September 5, 2025 • By Admin
In a remarkable turn of events, former New Zealand cricket captain Ross Taylor has announced his return to international cricket, this time representing Samoa in the upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers.
The 41-year-old batting legend has been named in Samoa’s 15-man squad for the Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 qualifier in Oman. This tournament could potentially secure Samoa’s place in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
It’s official – I’m proud to announce that I’ll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket. This is more than just a return to the game I love – it’s a huge honour to represent my heritage, culture, villages, and family.
Taylor becomes eligible to represent Samoa through his mother’s heritage, holding a Samoan passport. His inclusion follows the completion of the mandatory three-year cooling-off period after his last appearance for New Zealand in April 2022.
During his illustrious career with New Zealand, Taylor played 112 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 102 T20Is between 2006 and 2022. He amassed 7,683 Test runs, 8,607 ODI runs, and 1,909 T20I runs, establishing himself as one of New Zealand’s all-time greats.
Strengthening the Samoa Lineup
Taylor isn’t the only notable inclusion in the Samoa squad. The team has also selected 32-year-old Sean Solia, another player with extensive experience in New Zealand domestic cricket, having represented Auckland for several years.
These additions are expected to significantly bolster Samoa’s batting lineup, which already includes exciting talents like Darius Visser. Visser recently made headlines by smashing six sixes in a 39-run over against Vanuatu’s Nalin Nipiko in August 2024.
Tournament Format and Schedule
Samoa earned their place in the qualifiers by triumphing over Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Fiji in the EAP Sub-Regional Qualifier A in August 2024. They will now join Papua New Guinea and Japan as East Asia-Pacific representatives in the tournament.
Other competitors in the qualifier include Oman, Nepal, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar, and the UAE. The tournament promises high-stakes cricket as teams vie for a place in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Tournament Format
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualification process involves regional qualification tournaments that will determine the teams participating in the main event. The top eight teams from the previous edition, along with hosts India and Sri Lanka, and the next best teams from the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings qualify automatically. The remaining eight teams are decided by regional qualifiers.
The Asia-East Asia-Pacific qualifier will provide three spots for the 2026 T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Samoa’s Group Stage Matches
Samoa is placed in Group 3 alongside Oman and Papua New Guinea. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage of the tournament.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 08, 2025 | Oman vs Samoa | Al Amerat Cricket Ground | 10:00 AM |
| Oct 09, 2025 | Papua New Guinea vs Samoa | Al Amerat Cricket Ground | 07:00 PM |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Oman vs Papua New Guinea | Al Amerat Cricket Ground | 07:00 PM |
Note: The Super Six stage will follow the group matches from October 12-17, 2025, where the top teams will compete for the three available spots in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The Significance of Taylor’s Return
Cultural Connection
Taylor’s decision to represent Samoa highlights the deep connection he feels to his maternal heritage. He will play under his given names and chiefly title as Leaupepe Luteru Ross Poutoa Lote Taylor, honoring his Samoan roots.
Experience & Leadership
With over 18,000 international runs and 450 matches for New Zealand, Taylor brings invaluable experience to the Samoan squad. His leadership qualities will be crucial for the relatively inexperienced team.
Road to 2026 World Cup
The Asia-East Asia-Pacific qualifier represents Samoa’s best chance to reach a T20 World Cup. With three spots available, Taylor’s inclusion could be the factor that helps them secure qualification.
Eligibility Rules
Taylor became eligible for Samoa after completing the mandatory three-year cooling-off period following his retirement from New Zealand cricket in April 2022. This waiting period is required by ICC regulations for players switching national teams.
Ross Taylor’s Remarkable Records
New Zealand’s Leading Run-Scorer
Taylor is New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs with 8,607 runs and second only to Kane Williamson in Test runs with 7,683 runs.
Centuries and Achievements
Taylor scored 19 Test centuries and 21 ODI centuries for New Zealand, placing him among the country’s most prolific century-makers.
Pioneering Cricketer
Taylor was the first cricketer to play 100 matches in all three formats of international cricket (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is).
World Cup Performances
Taylor was a key member of New Zealand teams that reached the 2015 and 2019 Cricket World Cup finals, and he was part of the World Test Championship winning team in 2021.