Manu Samoa 7s Players ‘Letter of Complaint’ deeply concerning

By Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 13 FEBRUARY 2022:  A Letter of Complaint by some Manu Samoa Sevens players currently in a holding camp in Dubai “is deeply concerning” according to the CEO of Lakapi Samoa, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai.

Faleomavaega said Lakapi Samoa was alerted on Saturday 12th February about a ‘Letter of Complaint’ by some players in the Manu Samoa 7s team which was forwarded to Lakapi Samoa by the Pacific Rugby Players Association (PRP).

The letter contains some damaging accusations against the team management such as exposing the players to public places such as shopping malls that could have exposed the players to the Covid-19 virus.

The team pulled out of the first of two HSBC Events in Malaga, Spain on 22 January after 13 players and 2 of the Management team returned positive test results from the mandatory PRC-tests conducted.

On the letter of complaint, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai immediately reached out to PRP to discuss the matter for a recommended process and steps to address the player’s letter and also sought Lakapi Samoa’s details on the issues as documented.

Both PRP and LS agreed that PRP to independently seek further clarity from the player(s) concern to their grievances and report back its findings and recommendations to Lakapi Samoa.

“Lakapi Samoa acknowledges the players complaint as a serious matter. Consequently, the LS Board has acted swiftly with a Board Sub-Committee to investigate the matter and report back urgently,” said a Lakapi Samoa statement.

“It is deeply concerning to learn of this and we are ensuring the we go through a proper process,” said Lakapi Samoa CEO, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai.

“Our people’s well-being and welfare is paramount during this time as we seek a resolution.”

Faleomavaega added that, “Lakapi Samoa together with our key stakeholders is liaising at all times with the team and management and are proud of their sacrifice to represent Samoa during these difficult times of the global pandemic.”