Tuilaepa has been replaced by Lakapi Samoa president Namulau\u2019ulu Sami Leota as interim chairman.<\/p>\n
Former Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo \/ RNZ<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Prime Minister\u2019s position remains to have the Samoa Rugby Union cleared of politicians; and the management needs complete change, as the current Samoan dismal rugby results over the years [are] a direct reflection on management,\u201d his office said in response to questions.<\/p>\n
Rugby board members refuse to step down<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Prime Minister has just received a response from the union to his letter sent three months ago giving his position. The union has rejected this position.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has already given the alternative that the government will support the establishment of a new union if the current management insists [on staying].\u201d<\/p>\n
The Manu Samoa rugby team has a proud history and has huge support from fans both locally and around the world. Photo \/ Reuters<\/p>\n
La\u2019auli\u2019s office said he has already advised Rugby Australia and the World Rugby chairman.<\/p>\n
RNZ Pacific has contacted World Rugby about the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not going to comment on a domestic matter,\u201d World Rugby said.<\/p>\n
However, past cases of such nature had seen unions being penalised and temporarily suspended when there were government or external interventions.<\/p>\n
A similar case was when the Fijian Government interfered with the Fiji Rugby Union in 2023, which eventually saw Fiji being temporarily suspended by World Rugby.<\/p>\n
World Rugby maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance on government interference in the affairs of national rugby unions, treating it as a violation of its bye-laws and governance regulations, as the world body requires that national unions remain fully responsible for the organisation of rugby within their territory and act independently of state authorities.<\/p>\n
World Rugby often suspends the union from the World Rugby Council, resulting in a reduction or freezing of funding.<\/p>\n
La\u2019auli refused to sign a new Pacific Rugby programme with the Australian Government until the change he wants is implemented.<\/p>\n
The A$150 million aims to help Fiji, Samoa and Tonga with new rugby programmes over the next five years.<\/p>\n
His office said La\u2019auli wants the new programme to get off the ground and receive the funding needed, and has revealed he wants to meet with the prime ministers of Fiji, Tonga and Australia about the rugby partnership and Samoa\u2019s support going forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe agreement requires the Government signature and endorsement of the funds allocation, distribution and reporting,\u201d his office said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has already informed Australia by letter of his support of the Agreement for the new Pacific Rugby Partnership as he does not want Samoa to miss out.\u201d<\/p>\n
La\u2019auli is determined to get the new union established.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow that Union has responded and rejected the PM\u2019s position to step down and for a new management to take over, the next step now is the establishment of a new Union – which has the support of former players, coaches and supporters both in Samoa and overseas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tuilaepa told RNZ Pacific last week that there are systems to follow, in accordance with the Lakapi Samoa and World Rugby constitution on removing board members or the management.<\/p>\n
He claimed La\u2019auli was playing a political game that would harm rugby in Samoa.<\/p>\n
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