Rugby Union Meeting Sparks Fiery Exchange 

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 22 May 2026 – A fiery exchange has stalled the Government efforts to seek a resolution to the internal conflicts between two opposing factions and remove politics from the Rugby Union.

The factions included one led by the Lakapi Samoa President Namulauulu Sami Leota representing the old guard who do not want to step down, and one led by former Manu Samoa player and lawyer Matafeo George Latu who want a overhaul of the Union given the poor status of Samoan rugby at the moment.

In opening the meeting at the Toa Salamasina Hall yesterday morning, the Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt revealed that the government’s intention was to save Samoan rugby given its poor status at the moment and that many members of the public and former players and coaches had been calling him for help.

La’auli was very clear when he insisted the government’s stance to remove politics from the rugby union and resolve the internal issues to Samoan rugby.

“The rugby union run free from politics by those with a heart for the sport,” the Prime Minister said.

He referred to the Union being run politically under former Chairman Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi’s time until he stepped down recently and the structure with MPs still onboard from his time, remains.

The Prime Minister said government had no intention to be involved until Australia invited government involvement in a $50m funding for rugby development for five years.

“I have signed the agreement so that Samoan rugby will not miss out of the development assistance,” said Laauli.

But insisted that he will not agree to divert the funds to a rugby union with a questionable performance reflected on the dismal results of Samoan rugby.

He emphasised that the result of their ongoing issues has resulted in the loss of trust of the public, the players and supporters and sponsors of Samoan rugby.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and members of Cabinet attending yesterdays meeting.

Heated Exchange
Interim Chairman and Member of Parliament, Namulauulu Sami Leota, responded to the Prime Minister and apologized for the current status of Samoan rugby. But insisted that due the law and the Rugby Union Constitution need to be followed to make changes to the Boards composition and leadership.

“If we need to change the law, we need to incorporate that clearly in the law to avoid the current differences from happening in the future,” he said.

He clarified that Lakapi Samoa is the legal entity recognized by World Rugby, then warned that Samoan rugby will face suspension from World Rugby if it continues down the current path.

Namulauulu also pleaded that after fighting for a seat and a voice in World Rugby, Samoa needs to avoid losing that seat at all costs should World Rugby suspend Samoan rugby.

Former Manu Samoa player and a former Rugby Union Board Member, Matafeo George Latu emphasised the disappointing level of Samoan rugby under Lakapi Samoa which resulted in the lack of trust from the people, the players and also the sponsors.

“What sponsor would want to come onboard if we are placed 20th in World Rugby, right now no one wants to sponsor the Union,” he said.

He said that the current Lakapi Samoa lacks the capacity and capability to improve the financial needs of the Union.

He also emphasized that current level of Samoan rugby means Manu Samoa will never be able to play against a tier one nation in the next five years due to the current dismal performance.

The Lakapi Samoa Interim Chairman Namulauulu Papalii Sami Leota then intervened.

“The Prime Minister has already said that we will consult on these issues amongst ourselves and whatever decision we come up with they will fully support” he said.

“Now you are bringing up sponsors, who was the commercial director? You are. You don’t attend the meetings, and you were a board member,” Namulauulu added.

“The purpose of the meeting is to sort out the conflicts within Lakapi Samoa and should not point fingers on who is to blame,” Namulauulu clarified.

Matafeo fired back saying, “Matters like this should not be hidden from the Prime Minister as he needs to be aware of where the union lacks,” Matafeo said.

The former Manu Samoa player and Coach, Faleomavaega Dickie Tafua interrupted “This is not the way to resolve our differences and what will benefit Samoan rugby and the matters pertaining to the union be consulted within the union only.”

He then told Matafeo not point the finger as he had been a member of the board.

“That is exactly why I resigned from the union, but when will you resign from your position? Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi also resigned along with the others. When will you resign?” Matafeo asked.

The Prime Minister then intervened emphasizing that the purpose of the meeting and why he and Cabinet left their busy schedules in order to seek a resolution to save Samoan rugby.

He then advised the Interim Chairman, Namulauulu Sami Leota that he should be more patient and ready to listen especially with the seriousness of the issue.

Before the Prime Minister and Cabinet left the meeting, he clarified that he wrote to World Rugby and World Rugby has responded and are awaiting his response which he waited on the outcome of todays meeting.

“My answer to World Rugby depends on the result of today’s meeting,” he said.

Then the Prime Minister and Cabinet left the meeting leaving the opposing factions to agree on the future steps to resolve their differences. The Prime Minister has already clarified his intention to establish a new Union if the warring factions do not come to an agreement.