HONOURED FOR MAKING SAMOA A PROUD RUGBY NATION : When it’s to do with rugby in Samoa, mention of the late Alan Grey’s name and contributions, says all there is about Samoa, rucking and huffing it right there alongside the giant nations of world rugby.
Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa’s indifference to the consequences of his threats to withdraw financial support and replace the management committee of Lakapi Samoa with his supporters shows a complete disregard for the regulations of World Rugby and our own laws governing the professional independence of sports institutions.
He is now elevating his ignorance of governance standards and lack of respect for the rule of law to the global level!
World Rugby has made it clear that any form of government interference in the management of Lakapi Samoa may result in the Manu Samoa being excluded from World Rugby competitions.
In 2023 Fiji Rugby had its voting rights on the world rugby council suspended because of government interference.
If La’auli succeeds in his political campaign against rugby, it will mark the end of professional rugby in Samoa.
It could also have wider implications across the Pacific, including for Fiji and Tonga.
Regardless, it is essential that World Rugby’s regulations are respected and followed.
La’auli needs to put aside his divisive political ambitions for the benefit of the nation and our rugby players.
I stepped down from the Chairmanship of Lakapi Samoa to help bring a peaceful resolution to the impasse created by Laauli’s threats to block funding support from our development partners.
That was not enough, he now wants the entire Board and management committee replaced by his supporters, which is contrary to World Rugby’s governance regulations, and the Laws of Samoa.
Any suspension from World Rugby competitions will hurt the opportunities for our rugby players, their families and our loyal fans.
The PM and his Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party supporters have a very narrow view of rugby, talking non-stop about glory days that others built for which they claim all the credit.
For the Human Rights Protection Party, our nation’s investment went beyond the rugby field.
It paved the way for many players and their families to financial security and success in many other fields, as their children are now professional rugby players, doctors, teachers, lawyers and engineers.
That is the real measure of success of rugby in Samoa.
The fact that World Rugby has traveled all the way to Apia to find a solution shows the respect that they have for Lakapi Samoa and its proud history.
Despite all the baseless claims of corruption perpetuated by the FAST Party supporters, Lakapi Samoa was never suspended by World Rugby for any financial mismanagement or governance abuse.
That is a record we can proudly stand behind.
As World Rugby sits across from La’auli over the next few days we are reminded by Proverbs that, “Hell and destruction are never full, so the eyes of man are never satisfied.”
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP