Former New Zealand cricket star Ross Taylor has announced his return from international retirement, but this time he will don the jersey of Samoa, his mother’s homeland, for the Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Oman. The 41-year-old, who played 450 international matches for New Zealand, aims to help Samoa qualify for their first-ever T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year.
Samoa is among nine teams competing in the Asia-Pacific regional final, with the top three securing a spot in the main tournament. Samoa, placed in Group C alongside Oman and Papua New Guinea, named Taylor in their 15-member squad for the qualifiers starting October 8, 2025.
Under ICC rules, players must complete a three-year stand-down period after their last match for a Full Member nation before representing an Associate nation. Taylor, who last played for New Zealand in April 2022, became eligible to represent Samoa in April 2025. With a Samoan passport through his mother’s heritage, Taylor is set to play under the name “Liupipe Luteru Taylor,” a Samoan chiefly title.
Taylor, who amassed 18,199 international runs for New Zealand—second only to Kane Williamson—boasts the second-highest number of international centuries (40) for the Black Caps. In an emotional Instagram post on Friday, September 5, 2025, he wrote, “Coming out of retirement. 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 honor to represent my heritage, culture, villages, and family. I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the game, join the squad, and share my experience on and off the field. Time to hit the ground running.”
Reflecting on his Samoan roots, Taylor told Code Sports, “My mum instilled our culture in us from a young age, and we grew up speaking Samoan. I lost a bit of that when I went to boarding school. My mum passed away last year, but before she did, I told her about this opportunity.”
Taylor isn’t the only notable inclusion in Samoa’s squad. Sean Solia, a 32-year-old with extensive domestic experience for Auckland, and Darius Visser, who smashed six sixes in an over against Vanuatu’s Nalin Nipiko in August 2024, are also part of the team. Former New Zealand fast bowler Murphy Su’a previously switched to Samoa in 2012.
The Asia-Pacific regional final qualifier begins on October 8, 2025, offering Samoa a chance to make history with Taylor’s experience bolstering their campaign
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