Manusina official removed for inappropriate behaviour towards a female team member

By Lagi Keresoma

Apia, Samoa – 16 January 2024: Lakapi Samoa has confirmed removing the video analyst for the Manusina Womens Rugby Team from attending the Team’s future games and activities following a complaint of inappropriate behaviour towards one of the female players.

The decision was made after the Manusina Team Management filed a complaint against the team official for “inappropriate behaviour” during the Manusina tour of South Africa in October last year.

Lakapi Samoa Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai confirmed with Talamua Lakapi Samoa’s decision and stance taken on the matter.

“The matter in question was received by Management from the Manusina Management on the alleged inappropriate behaviour by one of our staff (Video Analyst),” Faleomavaega told Talamua.

“The matter was then investigated by Lakapi Samoa Management based on the advice from the Manusina Team Management.”

Investigation outcome
Following the investigation, Lakapi Samoa decided to remove the video analyst from all Manusina Team activities effective immediately.

“The staff member is to get in contact with the player and apologise for his unacceptable behaviour,” said Faleomavaega.

The CEO further said that the staff member will also attend the Lakapi Samoa GIR Plus course on proper behaviour during and around an all-female team environment.

“Lakapi Samoa takes these matters seriously and have acted swiftly to ensure the welfare and safety of all our female players and Management under our care,” he said.

Talamua’s enquiries with Lakapi Samoa followed receipt of information on the players’ complaint about alleged sexual harassment during the teams’ tour of South Africa in October 2023 and after the coach wrote to Lakapi Samoa to investigate the complaint.