Samoa Rugby plunged into governance crisis

Samoan rugby has been plunged into a major governance crisis after the government withdrew its recognition and financial support for Lakapi Samoa, citing internal divisions and concerns over the administration of the sport.

Samoa Government Withdraws Rugby Support

Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt said the government had decided to withdraw recognition and support from Lakapi Samoa after months of consultations.

"The decision involves withdrawal of all government financial support and assistance previously provided to Lakapi Samoa," added La'aulialemalietoa.

The decision also removes government financial support and assistance that had previously been provided to the national rugby union. The Prime Minister said the union had been given enough time to address internal issues, complaints raised by former players and coaches, and Samoa’s decline on the international rugby stage.

Lakapi Samoa Faces Governance Crisis

The move follows months of tension between the government and Lakapi Samoa over the future direction of rugby in the country.

Samoa’s government has previously discussed creating a new national rugby union to rival Lakapi Samoa, as frustration grew over the sport’s management and performance.

The Prime Minister said his government remains committed to rugby development and will decide which union it supports in future to restore professional standards and improve Samoa’s place in global rugby.

World Rugby Seeks Positive Resolution

Reports in Samoa had earlier claimed World Rugby gave the government 24 hours to reconsider the decision or risk a possible four-year international ban which was later denied by the governing body.