A rival governing body for Samoan rugby has been launched in Apia, deepening the crisis triggered by the government's decision to withdraw its support from Lakapi Samoa. The new Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU) was unveiled on Friday evening at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel, just two days after the government announced it was pulling funding from the existing federation, throwing the future of the sport in the country into disarray.
The breakaway body is chaired by Matafeo George Latu, a former Manu Samoa representative, and is backed by 16 sub-unions, whose presidents attended the launch ceremony. SRFU secretary Tafafunai Aialii Anapu said the organisation remained committed to its establishment and to its vision of uniting Samoa's rugby community.
As the new union was presented, Lakapi Samoa chairman Afioga Namulauulu Papali'i Leota Sami Leota and his board stepped aside pending a review, according to the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare (PRPW), which said a caretaker board would be appointed in the interim and described the moment as a necessary total reset for Samoan rugby.
Matafeo told those gathered that the new union had been created because of the current state of the sport, citing a lack of innovation by the board and management, a lack of trust by district rugby unions in Lakapi Samoa and a lack of accountability. "Something is very wrong with Samoa rugby," he said. "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." He added: "Not once have I heard those that govern rugby in Samoa own up or take responsibility for the dire state of Samoan rugby." Matafeo also warned 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."
World Rugby, which is acting as a mediator in the dispute, denied reports that it had given the Samoan government an ultimatum over the governance crisis. A spokesperson said: "We are in active and constructive dialogue with all parties and remain focused on a positive resolution."
The stand-off has raised fears for Samoa's place in international rugby: the opposition leader and former prime minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has warned that a rival union and government interference could lead to suspension by World Rugby, with the island nation already qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
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