Lakapi Samoa suspended with immediate effect from World Rugby Council

Source: World Rugby

Apia, SAMOA – 02 November 2026 – World Rugby has confirmed an agreement with the Government of Samoa, Lakapi Samoa and SASNOC following concerns raised by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa over Lakapi Samoa’s governance and administration.

Under the agreement, Lakapi Samoa will suspend itself from the World Rugby Council, while control of Samoa’s national high-performance rugby programmes will be transferred to SASNOC under joint oversight.

An independent review of Samoan rugby governance will also take place, alongside a separate World Rugby review of Lakapi Samoa’s compliance with membership requirements.

Importantly, Manu Samoa and other national teams will continue competing internationally, including at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, while domestic rugby remains unaffected.

Lakapi Samoa remains a World Rugby member, but its Council participation is suspended and its control over national high-performance programmes is being transferred to SASNOC.