World Rugby boss receives Sāmoa matai title amid rugby dispute

World Rugby chairman Dr Brett Robinson has been bestowed the Sāmoan matai title Manūmailagi during a traditional ceremony in Apia, as efforts continue to resolve the country's rugby governance dispute.

The ceremony took place at the Samoa Tourism Fale on Thursday, with Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and senior government officials welcoming Robinson to Sāmoa.

The honour comes during Robinson's visit for talks over rugby administration, after months of disagreement between the Government and Lakapi Sāmoa.

Speaking at the ceremony, Robinson thanked the government and people of Sāmoa for the honour.

"You are one of the great global rugby nations."

He recalled playing rugby in Sāmoa when he was younger and growing up with former All Blacks star Michael Jones as his hero.

World Rugby chairman Manūmailagi Dr Brett Robinson before the cultural bestowment of his matai title. Photo/Sāmoa Global News

Laaulialemalietoa welcomed Robinson, saying the country was glad to be engaging directly with the World Rugby chairman.

"We have been waiting for this moment, for your presence in Sāmoa.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged Sāmoa's rugby heritage and pledged stronger cooperation with World Rugby.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt greets World Rugby chairman Manūmailagi Dr Brett Robinson following his matai title bestowment ceremony in Apia. Photo/Sāmoa Global News

"Let me assure you Mr Chairman, that Samoa will support World Rugby much more than before."

He also reiterated his commitment to Manu Sāmoa's participation in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Parliament Speaker Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua described the traditional ceremony as a reflection of rugby's significance to Sāmoa's people and culture.

He also acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the sport's administration.

"Despite so many rumours, arguments, ups and downs or whatever, I am sure that where there is a will, there is a way.”

The visit follows the government's decision to withdraw recognition and financial support from Lakapi Sāmoa in July, before formally recognising the rival Sāmoa Rugby Football Union in September.

Watch the matai title bestowment ceremony below.

World Rugby’s official website still lists Lakapi Sāmoa as a full member, with chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota holding Sāmoa's seat on the World Rugby Council.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Laaulialemalietoa reiterated the government's commitment to Manu Sāmoa at the World Cup but insisted changes to the team's administration were necessary.

According to Talamua Media, the Prime Minister said he had agreed to involve the Sāmoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee and World Rugby in addressing the dispute.

He also called on Lakapi Sāmoa's leadership to make way for others, arguing that the ongoing division has affected the national team.

Namulauulu, who is also an Opposition MP, defended the union's record, pointing to limited opportunities for overseas-based players to be released by their clubs as one factor affecting Manu Sāmoa's performance.

The dispute also sparked calls in Parliament to bar serving MPs from rugby administration, with Namulauulu telling the Samoa Observer he would accept such a restriction if it was approved by Lakapi Sāmoa's members.

Robinson did not publicly address the governance dispute during Thursday's ceremony.

PMN News has sought comment from Lakapi Sāmoa chairman Namulauulu and chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun on Robinson's visit and developments in discussions to resolve the dispute.

No agreement or change to World Rugby's recognition of Lakapi Sāmoa has been publicly announced.