Covid infected Manu Samoa 7s pulls out of Malaga, Spain tournament

Source: Lakapi Samoa

APIA, SAMOA – 18 JANUARY 2022: Lakapi Samoa has confirmed that its Manu Samoa 7s Squad (20 players & 6 Management) currently in its holding camp in Dubai will not compete in the first of two HSBC Events which starts this weekend in Malaga, Spain.

“Due to the a high number of positive Covid test results in the squad before departing for Spain, the team will not be able to participate in the Malaga event,” confirmed Lakapi Samoa’s Chief Executive, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai.

“It was inevitable that the team had to pull out after 13 players and 2 Management team returned positive test results from the mandatory PCR-test conducted.

“We are disappointed at this latest situation but the protocols and measures in-place for the safety and welfare of everyone involved is paramount.”

Faleomavaega added that, “We would like to assure the families that the players and management who have tested positive are all well and are taking every precautionary measures and receiving medical assistance whilst in their respective camp.”

Lakapi Samoa together with the team management is liaising daily with World Rugby and the hosts in Spain.

“We acknowledge their support as we monitor and assess the team’s situation over the next couple of days. Further testing will be conducted as required in compliance with the protocols to ensure everyone is cleared so the team can return to train safely with the intention of participating in the Seville 7s in the following week.”