Lakapi Samoa re-elects President, appoints new CEO

Apia, Samoa – 19 December 2024 – Lakapi Samoa today announced the re-election of Namulauulu Papalii Leota Sami Leota as President for a second four-year term. A businessman who served in various Boards including SNPF, Central Bank and the National Bank, the rugby enthusiast is also Chairman of the FedPac Mataniufeagaimaleata Sapapalii International 7s.

Three new Directors were also announced following the Annual General Meeting held on 28 November 2024.

The elected Directors are Autagavaia Aso of the Palauli/Itumalo/Satupaitea who is the Sub-Unions representative. He has served as Chairman of the Savaii Warriors Franchise since 2017. A passionate and vocal rugby administrator, he has been instrumental in developing emerging talent from Savaii.

The second Director is Sifuiva Malaea Lauano who is Women’s Sub-Union Representative. She is the current President of the Samoa Women’s Rugby Union. An academic by profession, she is the Principal of Leififi College and is a committed administrator with a proven track record in both education and sports at the secondary school level.

The third Director, according to Lakapi Samoa, was selected by the Vetting Committee, convened to select one vacant position for Independent Legal Appointed Director. The Vetting Committee selected lawyer and current CEO of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Papalii John Taimalelagi Afele as the Legal Appointed Director.

All new Directorship appointments will be for four year terms.

According to Lakapi Samoa, the re-election of Namulauulu Papalii Leota Sami Leota and the appointment of these distinguished Board members mark an exciting new chapter for Lakapi Samoa.
“Together, they will drive the organization’s mission to strengthen rugby in Samoa and achieve excellence both on and off the field.
“Lakapi Samoa looks forward to building on its achievements and addressing the challenges ahead with renewed vigor, guided by strong leadership and a shared passion for the game.”

New Director – Autagavaia Aso of the Palauli/Itumalo/Satupaitea who is the Sub-Unions representative, Sifuiva Malaea Lauano the Women’s Sub-Union Representative and Papalii John Taimalelagi Afele as the Legal Appointed Director.

New CEO Appointed
Also announced is the appointment of Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun as Lakapi Samos’s new Chief Executive Officer. Appointed at its Board meeting on Tuesday 17 December, the Lakapi Samoa, he succeeds Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i, who stepped down after nine years at the helm of Lakapi Samoa.

With over 15 years of extensive experience in governance and leadership roles, he served as CEO of Leadership Samoa, Board Member of the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority, and President of the Tama Uli Rugby Club and Fa’asaleleaga Sub-Union, and the Chairman of Savai’i Vikings Franchise.

He was the General Manager of the High Performance Unit at Lakapi Samoa since 2020.

The Chairman of Lakapi Samoa, former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi said “Seumanu has earned the trust and confidence of both myself and the Board through his proven ability to drive success for Lakapi Samoa. We firmly believe he possesses the relevant skills, experience, and vision to continue elevating Lakapi Samoa, building on the foundations already in place, and steering the organization toward even greater achievements.”

Of his appointment as CEO of Lakapi Samoa, Seumanu said “I fully understand the weight of responsibility and the high expectations our people have for Samoan rugby. I am committed to collaborating with all our stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and success, both on and off the field.”

The appointments come at a time when there had been loud calls by former Manu Samoa players and the public alike for a complete overhaul of Lakapi Samoa’s leadership and its governance. The critics quote Samoan rugby’s backward sliding performance on the international stage, transparency in the treatment of coaches and players, accountability with its finances and the impact on sponsors support, its fan base and the general public support.

Due to financial difficulties, the Manu Samoa’s northern hemisphere tour did not take place last month despite the public fundraising via TV and Radio to support the team.