Apia Samoa - In a recent interview with TV1 Samoa, the chairperson of Lakapi Samoa (Samoa Rugby Union), Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, directly addressed the financial challenges facing the national rugby team and did not hold back in his criticism of Samoa's Prime Minister, Fiame Dr. Naomi Mataafa. Tuilaepa claimed that Fiame’s decision to withhold government funds is a key reason behind the union's current financial difficulties, which have led to the cancellation of the Manu Samoa rugby team's European tour scheduled for later this year.
During the interview, Tuilaepa expressed his frustration with the lack of government support, stating that Fiame’s belief that too much money is already being allocated to rugby is misguided. "Fiame knows that rugby is an expensive sport," Tuilaepa said. "Her decision not to provide financial aid from the government is the reason we are in this mess."
These comments add further context to Tuilaepa's earlier statements in a letter to World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, where he cited "the lack of sponsorships" as "the greatest challenge" to the union’s efforts to grow and sustain the sport. He has called for enhanced financial assistance and more robust support structures to help Samoa navigate the complexities of international competition, particularly given the financial strain on Lakapi Samoa.
The interview highlights the struggle to maintain Lakapi Samoa without the Governments help, as the union grapples with financial woes that have plagued it for years. The cancellation of the European tour is only the latest symptom of these long-standing issues, which have continued to hinder the development of rugby in Samoa despite its deep cultural significance in the country.
In response to the controversy, a World Rugby spokesperson pointed out that the financial challenges faced by Lakapi Samoa are "a direct consequence of decisions taken by the union." The spokesperson also emphasised that World Rugby has been actively supporting Samoan rugby through substantial annual investments in high-performance and development programs, and that cooperation among all stakeholders is crucial to finding long-term solutions.
The spokesperson noted that the decision to withdraw from the November test schedule was made by Lakapi Samoa earlier this year, with World Rugby’s support on the understanding that Samoa's participation in the new Pacific Nations Cup—a key competition linked to future Rugby World Cup and Nations Cup division two qualifications—would be underwritten.
As the situation unfolds, the financial struggles of Lakapi Samoa remain a complex issue with no easy solutions. While Tuilaepa continues to place blame on the government’s lack of support, the challenges facing the union are the result of a combination of factors, including internal decision-making and the broader financial environment in which the sport operates in Samoa.
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