The pain of being relegated from the IRB Junior World Championship after failing to win a single match last year is still raw for Samoa and head coach John Schuster knows the only way to banish it is to earn an immediate return to the top tier.

For Samoa to do this they must win the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2011, which takes place in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi from 24 May to 5 June, to regain their place alongside the elite nations at Under 20 level in the 2012 Championship in South Africa.

"It's a huge blow and a major disappointment for everyone concerned and the only outcome for us this year is to win promotion to the top tier for 2012," admitted Schuster. "In doing so, we have to win the JWRT as it is only the winner of this tournament that gets promoted."

Schuster, though, knows that achieving this target of promotion is not a given with the other seven sides all harbouring the same ambition, but with hard work and dedication then Samoa have the potential to succeed Italy as champions.

"What is expected from the management and players is to be totally focused on the process and not just the outcome. I do believe if we can get the process right the outcome will take care of itself.

Hard work the key

"We know what we want to achieve but it's perfecting the why, when and the how that will get us there and the only way to achieve this is for the group to collectively work hard at improving their respective roles and responsibilities.

"There is no substitute for hard work."

Schuster is joined on the management team by former Samoa captain Peter Fatialofa and Selefuti Patu, who recently acted as Samoa A's assistant coach during their runners up finish in the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup 2011.

"I'm very pleased with the include of Fatialofa and Patu to our coaching staff, between them they possess a wealth of experience that will no doubt aid our campaign a great deal. Their inclusion provides us with the right balance in our coaching team in all areas of the Game."

Samoa are the top seeds for the Trophy and will face Russia, 2008 champions Uruguay and USA in Pool A. The pool winner will progress to the final to face the top side in Pool B, which features 2010 runners up Japan, hosts Georgia, Canada and Zimbabwe.

The Junior World Rugby Trophy 2011 champion will replace the side finishing bottom in this year's Junior World Championship, which is being played in the Veneto region of Italy from 10-26 June.