'It's massive change': Tanner Vili backs major reset for Sāmoan rugby

Former Manu Sāmoa international Tanner Vili says the turmoil gripping Sāmoan rugby could be the reset the sport desperately needs.

Speaking with Tuilagi William Leolahi on Pacific Huddle, Vili said the recent resignation of long-serving Lakapi Sāmoa chairman and former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi may open the door to a fresh chapter for the sport.

Lakapi Sāmoa president Namulauulu Sami Leota is the interim chairman, the union said in a statement.

“It's a massive change,” Vili told Tuilagi. “Tuilaepa’s heart's in the right place, but it's always good to have a change.

"I'm always excited when there's change, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens.”

The leadership shake-up comes amid a wider governance dispute surrounding Lakapi Sāmoa that has drawn in the government and delayed progress on a proposed regional rugby development partnership involving Australia and other Pacific island nations.

Long-serving Lakapi Sāmoa chairman and former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi stepped down after 26 years in charge, amid a governance and funding dispute. Photo/screengrab

Tuilaepa resigned in early March 2026 with the change taking effect around 6 March.

"It was a ridiculous political decision to withhold funds just because I have been chairman of Rugby Sāmoa for the last 26 years," Tuilaepa told RNZ Pacific. "If I step down, it's because of my own personal decision.

Sāmoa’s Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt (La’auli) has previously said governance reforms are needed before any new funding agreement is signed.

Sāmoa’s current Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has called for transparency and governance reforms in Lakapi Sāmoa before signing any new regional rugby funding agreements. Photo/Sāmoa govt

He stressed the importance of transparency and proper management of rugby development funds. “Where is the level of our rugby now? … No more politics in this sport," he told a news conference in Apia.

Lakapi Sāmoa officials say the organisation is now working through the process of selecting a new chairman following Tuilaepa’s departure.

The union’s chief executive, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun, told the ABC the decision came as a surprise but that discussions around regional rugby partnerships remain ongoing.

Listen to the full Pacific Huddle interview with Tanner Vili below

Vili says the leadership change presents a chance for the sport to regroup and rebuild confidence.

“It's a good chance to start fresh, come up with a new game plan and spread that net far and wide to get some quality management back in there,” he told Tuilagi. “I see it as a positive thing and an exciting thing.”

But the former Manu Sāmoa centre said the challenges facing the national side go well beyond leadership.

Lakapi Sāmoa chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun confirmed Tuilaepa’s resignation came as a surprise, but said discussions on regional rugby partnerships with Australia are ongoing. Photo/LinkedIn

Limited funding and resources continue to place Sāmoa at a disadvantage compared with wealthier rugby nations.

“The challenges of money and resources are always there,” Vili said. “We don't have the budgets like the tier one teams.”

He also pointed to the reality that many Sāmoan players are based across clubs in Europe, Japan, and the southern hemisphere, making it difficult to bring the national squad together for extended preparation.

“They fly the men all over the world,” he told Tuilagi. “They don't have much time to gel as a team. They're expected to play test match rugby after just meeting each other for a few days.”

Recent results have also highlighted the pressure on the national programme.

Sāmoa suffered a shock defeat to Chile in a Rugby World Cup qualifying series last year, leaving the team needing to go through a final qualification tournament to keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 World Cup alive.

With grassroots development and player cohesion under pressure, former star Tanner Vili says Sāmoan rugby faces challenges but also opportunities as it seeks to rebuild ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Photo/Photosport/Stephen Parker

Vili said the leadership change could even influence some overseas-based players to reconsider representing Manu Sāmoa.

“Maybe players who weren't going to make themselves available might now consider coming back,” he said.

He also acknowledged the tension surrounding the dispute but praised those involved for standing firm.

“When two big chiefs like that are involved, it's really tough,” he said. “I give credit to the people putting the pressure on, and also to Tuilaepa for standing his ground but then stepping down. That’s a massive call.”

Vili believes the future of Sāmoan rugby must start with rebuilding from the grassroots level.

“Like everywhere, even New Zealand, you have to focus on grassroots because that's where all the players come from,” he said.

But he warned the ongoing governance issues may have slowed the country’s rugby development.

“With what's been happening, we might have put ourselves back five or even 10 years,” he said.

Even so, Vili urged supporters across Sāmoa and the wider Pacific to keep backing the team as it rebuilds.

“Sāmoans have massive expectations,” he said. “But when it comes to Manu Sāmoa, we’re right up there. And people still believe in that.”