Lakapi Samoa Independent Board member resigns

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 4 August 2026: Papalii John Taimalelagi, one of three Lakapi Samoa independent board members has resigned.

Papalii tendered his resignation with the Chairman of Lakapi Samoa, Namulauulu Sami Leota yesterday where he acknowledged the honour of serving as a board member and contributing his legal capacity to the governance and development of Lakapi Samoa.

His resignation comes amidst the tension within Lakapi Samoa Board and the Government and the establishment of the rival Samoa Rugby Football Union and moves to establish an independent investigation into the governance of Lakapi Samoa and the administration of rugby in the country.

Papalii is a lawyer by profession and is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration.

He is a member of the Sapapalii Rugby Club and the tournament director for the Sapapalii International 7s and has contributed to the development of the sport in his village.