Apia, Samoa – June 3, 2024 – The Manu Samoa 7s team has been relegated from the World Sevens Series core competition after a disappointing performance, culminating in a crucial loss to the USA. This relegation represents a significant setback for Lakapi Samoa, posing new challenges as the team now faces the prospect of navigating regional qualifications and the arduous task of returning through the Challenger Series.
Tough Road Ahead
Samoa’s path to reclaiming its place in the World Sevens Series is fraught with difficulties. The team must first compete in regional qualifiers and then perform strongly in the Challenger Series, aiming for a top-four finish to secure a spot in the promotion-relegation playoffs. These demanding steps underscore the uphill battle ahead for the team.
A Call for Reflection and Improvement
In an interview with former Manu Samoa great, Aumua To’o Vaega, he expressed that while this outcome is not what anyone wanted, setbacks can serve as important opportunities for growth. "Sometimes in life you need setbacks like this, to have the management and board really relook, rethink and reanalyse how they got here, where they went wrong, and what they can do to make it better," Vaega said. He stressed the importance of identifying focus areas and devising strategies to improve moving forward. "As supporters and fans of Manu Samoa, we want our team to win every time, but we also fans of Manu Samoa need to understand that Manu Samoa is not a rich rugby team like other Tier One nations who can afford the basics and necessities to maintain a national team at the highest level, and these are many underlying issues that we don’t see."
Financial Hurdles and Management Challenges
Lakapi Samoa CEO, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai, has candidly discussed the financial struggles faced by the team. In an interview with the Samoa Observer (Samoa 7s relegated- 3/06/24), he highlighted the severe impact of limited funds on the team's performance and development. "The financial difficulties and limited selection pool have hindered our ability to field a top-tier team consistently," Fepuleai said. The lack of resources to send players to international events for crucial exposure and experience has been a persistent issue.
The Road Ahead
Despite these challenges, Lakapi Samoa is focused on the future. The organisation plans to improve player development programs, enhance domestic competitions, and seek better financial solutions to support the team. Maintaining coaching stability is also seen as vital, with Muliagatele Fata Brian Lima expected to remain as coach until after the Olympics.
Community and Resilience
The resilience and determination of Samoa’s rugby community will be crucial as the team navigates this difficult period. The path to recovery involves competing in regional qualifiers, succeeding in the Challenger Series, and ultimately aiming for a top-four finish in the promotion-relegation playoffs to reclaim their place in the World Sevens Series.
The relegation of the Manu Samoa 7s team is a significant challenge for Lakapi Samoa, highlighting the need for reflection and strategic improvement. With a commitment to addressing financial and developmental issues and a focus on future competitions, the organisation remains hopeful. The resilience and unity of Samoa's rugby community will be essential in overcoming these hurdles and striving for success in the coming years.
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