A new rugby union has been launched in Samoa, despite efforts by the sport’s global governing body to mediate a resolution to the current impasse between the Samoan government and Lakapi Samoa.
Media reports out of Apia says the new Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU), a rival organisation to Lakapi Samoa, was launched at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel on Friday evening.
At the same time, there are reports that Lakapi Samoa chairman Afioga Namulauulu Papali’i Leota Sami Leota and his board members have stepped aside pending a review.
The new body was launched just two days after the Samoan government anounced it was withdrawing support for Lakapi Samoa, throwing the future of the sport in the country into disarray.
Both the Samoa Observer and the Talamua Online News reported the new body was launched over the weekend.
SRFU secretary Tafafunai Aialii Anapu stated the organisation remained committed to its establishment and its vision of uniting Samoa’s rugby community.
RNZ Pacific sources says World Rugby had given conditions given to government, although World Rugby has denied giving an ultimatum, stating it was “in dialogue with all parties in a mediator role”.
The Pacific Rugby Players Welfare (PRPW) said in a Facebook post that Lakapi Samoa board chairman Afioga and his board members have stepped aside pending a review.
“A caretaker Board to be appointed in the interim,” the PRPW said.
“Tough times but excited what lies ahead for Samoan rugby. A total reset was required.”
Lakapi Samoa has not responded to RNZ Pacific’s questions about Lakapi Samoa board resignations.
But Talamua Online News said the new union is led by former Manu Samoa representative Matafeo George Latu as chairman.
It reported the new union is supported by 16 sub-unions, which were represented by their respective presidents at the launch.
Matafeo told attendees at the launch the new union was initiated due to the current status of the sport that is impacting negatively on the future of Samoan rugby, the lack of innovation by the board and management, the lack of trust by district rugby unions of Lakapi Samoa and the lack of accountability.
“Something is very wrong with Samoa rugby,” Matafeo said at the launch.
“What saddens me more is lack of accountability for the underperformance of our teams with the blame being put on the players, on the coaches, and even on the government for not providing enough funds.
“Not once have I heard those that govern rugby in Samoa own up or take responsibility for the dire state of Samoan rugby.”
Matafeo added that sports and politics cannot mix.
“There is a real danger that politicians on sports board can, and have, used sports to further their own political agendas.”
Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt had publicly revealed that he was not supportive of Lakapi Samoa’s board, including former PM Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi, who was board chairman until he resigned earlier this year.
La’auli had threatened to start a rival union.
Tuila’epa had warned earlier that a rival union and government’s interference could be bad for Samoa Rugby, as that could see their suspension by World Rugby.
