The leadership of the Lakapi Samoa is under increasing pressure to step down as prominent Manu Samoa veterans and Samoan community leaders from New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States express their dissatisfaction with the current state of Samoa Rugby. With the 100-year anniversary of rugby in Samoa, many are questioning the legacy of the sport and the direction it is heading under the current administration.
Former Manu Samoa captain Lemalu Semo Sititi recently voiced his opinion in an interview with Radio Samoa, where he said. "I have no doubt that the current board has worked hard and done the best they can, but I think they have maxed out," Sititi said. He pointed out that if players and coaches are held accountable for poor performance, the same standard should apply to those in leadership roles. "If we sack coaches for not performing, sack players for not performing, what makes them different?" he questioned.
Aumua To’o Vaega, another Manu Samoa veteran, echoed Sititi's sentiments, noting that the chair has held the position for over two decades. He stressed that the landscape of rugby has evolved, and the leadership needs to adapt to the modern game. "Rugby 40 years ago is not the same as today," Vaega stated, emphasising the need for fresh ideas and a new direction.
Toleafoa Andy Aiolupo, a former Manu Samoa player, expressed disappointment in the current state of the union, noting that the challenges faced today are the same as those encountered in the 1980s and 1990s. "No money, the same problems. Now, to mark 100 years of rugby in Samoa, the chairperson wants the Manu boys to fundraise for money. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Manu Samoa 100 years later," Aiolupo lamented. "I refuse to accept that this is the best we have to show for a 100 years, a canceled tour and online fundraising as a reminder of 100 years of Rugby in Samoa". He argued that the sport should have progressed to a higher level by now, especially in an era of professionalism.
The call for a leadership overhaul has also been supported by several former players who wished to remain anonymous. They questioned what the SRU has achieved after a century of rugby in Samoa, expressing concern that the current leadership does not have the vision or capability to take the sport forward. "We want what’s best for the team and the future athletes who wear that jersey. We’ve been in their shoes, wearing the same jersey and defending the same country. But what happens when one of them gets injured? Their future is at risk, their ability to support their families is threatened. Does the union have the funds to compensate them? Are there alternative career options for them after rugby? What kind of support are they getting? Player welfare must be a priority. We need to take care of our Manu Samoa with long-term strategies that ensure both financial security and the overall well-being of everyone involved."
"When they call us to come and represent Samoa, we come 100%, leave everything on the field for our country, Manu Samoa code its either you or them, thats where the physicality comes from, Tell me of a job where you put your body on the line, week in week out, for 80 min of intense body contact? we will die for Samoa before giving up"
These concerns are not limited to former players. Samoan community leaders across the globe have expressed their willingness to organise mass fundraising efforts to support Manu Samoa, but only if there is a change in leadership. "We don’t want to waste any more money that won’t amount to the future of Samoa Rugby," said a spokesperson from the LA Samoan Community. He stressed that they want to see better management of funds moving forward.
Tofilau Ted Stanley, Chair of the Samoan community in New Zealand, added that while he feels for Tuilaepa and recognises his hard work and contributions, but it is time for new leadership. "There are new ways to lobby for money, new ways to secure funds for the team," Tofilau said, underscoring the need for a fresh approach. "O le fuata ma lona lou" he concluded.
Former players To’o Vaega, Andy Aiolupo, and Semo Sititi collectively acknowledged the work of Tuilaepa and the board but made it clear that the time for change has come. "We need a saviour for the union; the future of Samoan Rugby is at stake here," they stated.
This growing consensus among former players and community leaders highlights the urgent need for change within the SRU. The call for new leadership is not just about removing those currently in power, but about ensuring that Samoa Rugby is equipped to thrive in the modern era. With the 100-year anniversary serving as a reminder of the sport’s storied past, the future of Samoa Rugby now hinges on the ability of the SRU to embrace new ideas, new leadership, and a renewed commitment to progress.
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