The Manu Samoa Captain and Head Coach have written a letter to Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa appealing to him to resolve the current crisis affecting Lakapi Samoa, the governing body for Samoan Rugby.
The Samoa Government announced last week that it was pulling recognition and its usual funding support of Lakapi Samoa due to “unresolved internal issues and division” at the national rugby union.
World Rugby denied reports that it gave Samoa an ultimatum to address the emerging governance issues or face a ban from international competition.
Independent Board Member and lawyer Papalii John Taimalelagi Afele resigned from the Lakapi Samoa board this week amidst the emerging conflicts as a new Samoa Rugby Football Union was launched led by former Manu Samoa prop and Board Member, Matafeo George Latu.
Samoa Global News understands World Rugby are conducting its own independent investigation and review into the local conflicts amongst Lakapi Samoa and the newly established Union.
RNZ Pacific reports they have sighted a letter from Manu Samoa Captain Theo McFarland and Head Coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi, addressed to Prime minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt.
“Our greatest concern is the possibility that the current situation could result in sanctions from World Rugby..
“Such an outcome could deny Samoa the opportunity to compete at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, despite the years of sacrifice, commitment and hard work that have earned our qualification.”
McFarland and Pisi are reported to state clearly they are not taking sides as they appeal for a pathway that would address the government’s concerns while protecting Samoa’s place in international rugby.
“For us, the Rugby World Cup is about far more than rugby..
“It is an opportunity to represent our flag, our families and our people on the world stage, while inspiring the next generation of Samoan players.”
The letter said the appeal is made “not for any individual or organisation, but for the players, the future of Samoan rugby, and the best interests of Samoa”.
The Captain and Coach said they remained proud to represent Samoa and hoped a solution could be found.
Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa has been calling for the removal of politicians from the Lakapi Samoa board, which had been chaired by former PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi for over 23 years.
PM Laaulialemalietoa had said in March this year, Change the Board or a new Union will be set up. He said his strong position is that the politically driven Lakapi Samoa Board are wholly responsible for the dire situation that Samoa rugby currently faces.
Background
Hon Tuilaepa resigned in March 2026 after holding the position for over 20 years despite mounting pressure to step down as Manu Samoa declined its world standing.
The President of Lakapi Samoa is also a Member of Parliament for the Human Rights Protection Party, Namulauulu Sami Leota. He has held the position of Team Manager for the Manu Samoa and has been in the role of elected President since 2018 when he campaigned to remove Su’a Peter Schuster.
When Tuilaepa resigned in March, Matafeo George Latu was a serving member of the Board.
The Board at the time announced Lakapi Samoa Board President Namulauulu Sami Leota was the interimn chair despite the Constitution clearly stating the President was an ex-officio member of the Board and the Vice Chair should take on the responsibilities.
The President is elected at Annual General Meetings attended by Affiliated Unions from across Upolu and Savaii.
Four Lakapi Samoa Board Members are elected at AGMs with three to apply on merit basis.
The Lakapi Samoa Board also has a Samoa Uniting Party Member of Parliament, Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua, also a former Manu Samoa Captain and Head Coach for both 15s and 7s. Faleomavaega Fuimaono remains President of the oldest union in Samoa, Apia Rugby Union.
When Tuilaepa resigned in March, Matafeo George Latu was a serving member of the Board. The Board at the time announced Lakapi Samoa Board President Namulauulu Sami Leota was the interimn chair despite the Constitution clearly stating the President was an ex-officio member of the Board and the Vice Chair should take on the responsibilities.
A spokesperson for World Rugby told RNZ Pacific: “We are in active and constructive dialogue with all parties and remain focused on a positive resolution.”
Namulauulu Sami told SGN “we have not resigned,” and “a joint press release from Lakapi Samoa, World Rugby and Government will be released soon.”
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