Overview
- The Samoan government announced it was withdrawing recognition, funding and assistance for Lakapi Samoa following months of complaints about mismanagement and internal division, a decision made public on Wednesday.
- A rival body called the Samoa Rugby and Football Union has been registered in Apia but its planned launch was postponed and the government says it will decide which union to back next.
- Lakapi Samoa remains the body recognised by World Rugby and its chairman was appointed as Samoa’s representative on the World Rugby Council in June, a status that underpins the union’s international standing.
- Local media report World Rugby has given the Samoan authorities a short deadline to accept a proposed independent review or face a suspension of up to four years, though formal confirmation from World Rugby is limited and inquiries are ongoing.
- Stakeholders warn the dispute could cut player access to international fixtures, halt development funding and reduce Samoa’s voice in global rugby governance in a way similar to past suspensions in the region.