Lakapi Sāmoa must look beyond rugby politics and build for the future - Ken Ah Kuoi

The growing number of overseas-based players wanting to represent Manu Sāmoa has given the country a rare opportunity.

But this is only if rugby leaders can fix the governance issues that have overshadowed the game.

That's the view of Wellington Sāmoan Rugby Union president Leiataualesa Ken Ah Koui, who says Sāmoa must now focus less on political battles and more on building a strong, accountable organisation ahead of the next Rugby World Cup.

His comments come as Lakapi Sāmoa continues to work through a governance dispute involving the existing board, the Sāmoan government and World Rugby ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Speaking with Tuilagi William Leolahi on PMN's Pacific Huddle, Ah Koui, who is also Chair of Pacific Strategic Advisory Group for the Sport Integrity Commission, said the biggest issue facing Lakapi Sāmoa is governance.

"I think the main issue, I know the main issue would be governance."

Manu Sāmoa players perform the Siva Tau before an international Test. Rugby leaders say the growing number of overseas-based players wanting to represent Sāmoa is a major opportunity for the national team. Photo/World Rugby

He said good governance starts with accountability and sound financial management.

"So these are things that any organisation should have in place. So in my view, governance is key and that's for accountability and financial accountability."

Ah Koui said Sāmoa also needs people with the right skills around the board table, including expertise in law, finance and governance, as well as independent directors who can hold management to account.

Sāmoa's Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, left, and Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi remain at the centre of the dispute over the future governance of Sāmoan rugby. Photo/Sāmoa government/HRPP

He believes the Sāmoan government has a role to play because it helps fund rugby, alongside World Rugby.

"They're funding it, they're putting money in, so they could be part of the governance."

At the same time, Ah Koui said World Rugby should oversee how its funding is used but should not decide who runs Lakapi Sāmoa.

"World Rugby is providing funds. So they should have a say in the governance and making sure the money... [has] financial accountability from Lakapi Sāmoa.

"But they shouldn't be involved in the management and selection of the board in Sāmoa."

Ah Koui's comments come as Lakapi Sāmoa remains at the centre of a governance dispute between the existing board and the Sāmoan government.

Lakapi Sāmoa Chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota and Word Rugby Council Chairman, Dr Brett Robinson. Sāmoa has held its place on the WR Council since 2018. Photo/Supplied

World Rugby has recognised the current Lakapi Sāmoa administration while continuing to encourage dialogue between both sides.

With reports that World Rugby is carrying out a review of the situation, Ah Koui said both sides must now work together instead of continuing the dispute.

The call for change has also been echoed by former Manu Sāmoa international Tanner Vili, who earlier told Tuilagi that the current challenges facing Sāmoan rugby could be an opportunity to reset the game.

Vili said any changes must be focused on creating a stronger future for players, supporters and the wider rugby community.

Listen to Tanner Vili's full interview below.

He believes Sāmoa has the chance to rebuild, but only if the right structures are put in place to support the national team and those coming through the pathway.

"It's important to do a review, sit around the table, same table and be part of that conversation," Ah Kuoi told Tuilagi.

Ah Koui said finding common ground is important with the next Rugby World Cup on the horizon, saying the game cannot afford to remain distracted by off-field issues.

Despite months of uncertainty, Ah Koui said he remains optimistic because more professional players are making themselves available for Manu Sāmoa than ever before.

"The key message is... players of Sāmoan heritage want to play for Sāmoa. So that's very important."

Sāmoa fans show their passion and pride. Rugby leaders say rebuilding trust with supporters, players and the wider community will be vital as the country looks to strengthen the future of the game. Photo/NRL

Ah Koui said that growing interest gives Sāmoa something positive to build around once the governance issues are resolved.

He said Sāmoa now needs a clear plan to attract those players, support them and connect them with local talent.

"The next big thing is to have a solid program that recruits those players... and have a good backing donor or sponsor."

Ah Koui said a strong pathway would benefit both overseas professionals and players developing at home.

"I think the other issue is to integrate those players with local players... have a system that works."

He believes that if Sāmoa gets its governance right, the focus will quickly return to what matters most.

"If we have those players and integrate into the system and with the local players... we'll forget all about this conversation."

"It would be very disheartening for those players reading and listening to this news... They want to come to Sāmoa and help and play."

Ah Koui's message is simple: fix the governance, build the right pathways and give the next generation of players every reason to wear the Manu Sāmoa jersey.

Listen to Ken Ah Kuoi's full interview below.