Faualo stands by Lakapi Sāmoa suspension claim

Former rugby administrator Faualo Harry Schuster is standing by his claim that Lakapi Sāmoa's membership and World Rugby Council seat have been suspended, but the international governing body has not confirmed whether any suspension or restriction is in place.

Faualo first raised the claim during an interview with PMN Sāmoa on 8 October. Speaking to PMN News on Thursday, he repeated his belief that both had been suspended.

“I think our membership and our seat at the council have been suspended,” he said.

Faualo declined to identify the source of his information.

He said he understood Lakapi Sāmoa chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota was unable to attend World Rugby Council meetings, which he believed indicated a suspension.

“The only reason Sami can't attend the meetings is if we're suspended.”

(L-R) Namulauulu Sami Leota and World Rugby Council Chairman Dr Brett Robinson in June when Namulauulu was confirmed as Sāmoa's representative on the Council. Photo/File

The claim has not been independently verified. World Rugby's website continues to list Lakapi Sāmoa as a full member, with Namulauulu named as Sāmoa's Council representative.

Asked by PMN News about Faualo's claim, a World Rugby spokesperson said: “We continue to be in active and constructive dialogue with all parties and remain focused on a positive resolution.”

The response did not confirm or deny whether the union's membership or Council representation had been suspended or restricted.

Watch (Sāmoan) Faualo Harry Schuster's interview on PMN Sāmoa below.

Lakapi Sāmoa chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun says any decisions about the union’s international status must come directly from World Rugby.

“Any decision affecting Lakapi Sāmoa’s membership, recognition or representation must be established through formal communication from World Rugby,” he told PMN News.

Seumanu did not say whether the union had received any official notice about its status.

But he confirmed Lakapi Sāmoa is still in regular contact with World Rugby and is ready to work with an independent review into the governance dispute, which has left two rival groups claiming control of rugby in Sāmoa.

Seumanu said any resolution should respect constitutional rules, transparency and the independence of sports bodies.

He said Lakapi Sāmoa remained legally registered and operating under Sāmoan law.

The Sāmoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU) received formal government recognition in September. (L-R) Matafeo George Latu, Rev Tonu Mauafu, Tofaeono Iupati Fuatai and Tuliaupupu Brian Lima at the union's logo unveiling in July. Photo/Talamua Media

The dispute escalated after the Sāmoa Government withdrew recognition and funding from Lakapi Sāmoa in July, before formally recognising the rival Sāmoa Rugby Football Union in September.

Faualo previously pointed to Fiji as an example of how governance concerns can affect a union's position within World Rugby.

In 2023, World Rugby suspended the Fiji Rakavi Football Union from its Council over governance concerns, although Fiji remained a member and its national teams continued competing internationally.

World Rugby has confirmed Sāmoa's national teams will continue competing under Lakapi Sāmoa, including November's Nations Cup, according to RNZ Pacific on 13 October.

Faualo believes the decision reflects a desire to protect players from the governance dispute.

“What World Rugby is doing, and they can do whatever they want, is because they don't want to punish the players,” he said.

Manu Sāmoa’s squad has been named for November’s Nations Cup, with matches against Zimbabwe, Portugal and Spain confirmed despite the ongoing rugby governance dispute in Sāmoa. Photo/Manu Samoa

With the off-field power struggle dragging on, Seumanu made it clear that players should not have to pay the price.

“We are particularly mindful that our players and coaching personnel should not be disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.”

He says getting the team ready for November's tour and the 2027 Rugby World Cup remain the priorities, while Lakapi Sāmoa works to ensure the players get full support.

Manu Sāmoa will take on Zimbabwe in England on 7 November, before facing Portugal in Lisbon on 14 November and Spain in Malaga on 21 November as part of the World Rugby Nations Cup.