Lakapi Sāmoa chair says World Rugby support backs union amid government dispute

Lakapi Samoa chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota says World Rugby’s continued engagement and financial support send a ‘clear message’ backing the union’s current legal status amid its dispute with the Samoan government.

“It’s not a hidden agenda now. It’s out there that we’re having these sorts of differences with the government,” he told William Terite on Pacific Mornings.

Namulauulu said World Rugby had remained actively engaged with Lakapi Samoa throughout the dispute, including financial support and programmes, and confirming Samoa’s representation on it’s governing Council.

“Half of our fund are coming out from World Rugby he said.

He described those actions as a “clear message that they are supporting the current status of Lakapi Samoa.”

The appointment comes amid a months-long standoff between the union and Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, who has signalled he is prepared to support a new rival rugby body if the current leadership does not step aside.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, who said calls for change within the union reflect "the people's wish. Not my wish." Photo/Parliament of Sāmoa.

World Rugby confirmed Namulauulu’s appoinment to its Council earlier this week, with Sāmoa retaining the seat it has held since 2018.

Longtime chairman and Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi did not seek reappointment at the end of his four-year term in March, with Namulauulu stepping in as interim chair.

Meanwhile, Talamua Media reports Laaulialemalietoa pledged to start a rival union body, the Sāmoa Rugby Football Union.

Watch Namulauulu Sami Leota's interview below.

Central to the tension is the proposed Veimoana Partnership, a five-year reported to be worth AU$150 million (NZ$183.3m) Australian-backed proposal for rugby across Sāmoa, Tonga and Fiji. Sāmoa’s share is reported to be around AU$50 million (NZ$61.1m).

Lakapi Sāmoa describes the arrangement differently. Namulauulu told Pacific Mornings, “There’s no fund yet. It’s a proposal that’s been given to the Australian government,” he said.

He added he was thankful to the Prime Minister for signing the “proposal” now with the Australian government, with the finer details still under consideration.

Grassroots rugby in Sāmoa. Namulauulu says the game is "reviving at the moment... a breath of fresh air". Photo/Lakapi Sāmoa.

The dispute also played out in Sāmoa’s parliament this week during the budget debate. Talamua Media reported that Namulauulu used the debate to highlight upcoming World Rugby and Oceania Rugby meetings in Apia from 28 to 31 July.

Laaulialemalietoa dismissed attempts to debate the issue in parliament, saying the matter should be resolved elsewhere. "It's the people's wish. Not my wish," he said of calls for change within the union.

He also defended Sāmoa's role in the proposed Veimoana Partnership funding, saying Australia required the government to sign the agreement and oversee how any money is spent.

The Prime Minister's office did not respond to PMN’s request for comment.

Despite the dispute, Namulauulu said Sāmoan rugby was "reviving at the moment... a breath of fresh air".

Three Tests against Japan, France and the USA are already confirmed ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup as Sāmoa looks to improve on its current world ranking of 20th.