Samoa’s national rugby team captain and coach have written to the prime minister, appealing to him to resolve the current crisis affecting Lakapi Samoa, the governing body for Samoan Rugby.
In a letter seen by RNZ Pacific, Manu Samoa captain Theo McFarland and head coach Lemalu Tusiata Pisi addressed prime minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt.
“Our greatest concern is the possibility that the current situation could result in sanctions from World Rugby,” the letter said.
“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 said they are not taking sides.
Instead, they appealed 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,” they wrote.
“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.
Lakapi Samoa board chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota told local media at the time the launch of a rival rugby union could spell disaster for the sport in Samoa.
He said Lakapi Samoa remained the constitutionally established governing body for rugby in the country and was recognised internationally by World Rugby.
The Samoa Observer reported World Rugby representatives met with the prime minister on Friday morning, before holding separate talks with representatives of the rival Samoa Football Rugby Union.
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.”
