Newcastle Falcons flanker Semo Sititi has been called up to the Samoa squad for next weekend's IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong.
Sititi, who turned 31 last week, will take part in the same group as an England squad containing fellow Falcons Mathew Tait and Phil Dowson.
He said after hearing news of his inclusion: "Samoa asked about my availability, and with the Falcons having no game that weekend Rob Andrew has agreed to release me for the competition.
"The Hong Kong Sevens is a huge event anyway, but being a World Cup makes it extra special, and then the possibility of playing against Taity and Dowse when we meet England would be fantastic."
Sititi, who scored two tries in last weekend's North v South IRB Tsunami Aid match at Twickenham, joins a squad put together by John Schuster, who said: "The opportunity to coach Samoa is an honour.
"It's where I started from. I'm really enjoying it even though it is frustrating in many ways but nevertheless enjoying the challenge.
"I think realistically we can aim at making the semi finals of the Cup, but our main objective is to win our Pool."
Samoa squad:
David Lemi
Apoua Stewart
Junior Leota
Uale Mai
Samu Eteuati
Sailosi Tagicakinbau
Gaolo Elisara
Brian Lima
Lome Faatau
Semo Sititi
Paul Perez
Mark Tanuvasa