In a significant move for Samoan rugby, an action plan has been established following discussions between World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson and Samoa’s Prime Minister, Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt. This initiative aims to ensure the continued involvement of Samoa’s national teams in high-level competitions.
Governance Challenges Prompt Review
Concerns regarding the governance of Lakapi Samoa, the country’s rugby union, led to a self-suspension from the World Rugby Council. This action was taken amidst differences between the union’s board members, management, and government officials.
To address these issues, control over Samoan rugby's high-performance program has now shifted to the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC), with a designated stewardship group overseeing operations.
Independent Review Group Formed
An Independent Review Group, composed of Samoan nationals, will be appointed to investigate governance matters within Samoan rugby. The exact membership will be determined through collaboration between Lakapi Samoa and the Samoan government.
The significance of maintaining high-performance standards is echoed in the participation of Samoa’s national teams. The men’s team, known for its rich Rugby World Cup history since 1991, narrowly secured a spot for the upcoming 2027 tournament in Australia, marking a pivotal moment for the athletes.
Concerns About Recent Performances
While Samoa's men's team looks to regain its footing, having recently dropped to 20th place in the World Rugby Rankings, the women's team also faced challenges, finishing their World Cup campaign with disappointing scores. The women’s team scored only three points while conceding 225 in three matches.
World Rugby's Commitment
According to a recent statement from World Rugby, “World Rugby, the Government of Samoa, Lakapi Samoa, and SASNOC have outlined a process to ensure Samoan teams continue to compete at the highest level during a governance review.” These developments are a result of cooperative meetings held in Apia.
The stakeholders stress that it is crucial for the union’s high-level programs to remain intact. All parties confirm their commitment to the men's Rugby World Cup 2027, the World Rugby Nations Cup, and other global series events.
Immediate Actions to be Taken
The following steps will be enacted promptly:
- Self-suspension of Lakapi Samoa from the World Rugby Council until further notice.
- Formation of the Independent Review Group to examine all governance-related issues.
- Evaluation of Lakapi Samoa’s compliance with World Rugby standards by an oversight committee.
- Transfer of jurisdiction of high-performance programs to SASNOC, overseen by an appointed stewardship group.
Despite these shifts in governance, it has been agreed that domestic rugby activities in Samoa will continue uninterrupted.
Looking Ahead
The proactive steps taken to improve governance in Samoan rugby have been met with gratitude from stakeholders. The collaborative efforts highlight a shared commitment to safeguarding player development and opportunities.
As we draw closer to the Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, excitement builds. Fans can secure their seats for this monumental event, promising to be the largest Men’s Rugby World Cup to date.