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2mo ago

Samoan Government Withdraws Recognition of Lakapi Samoa

World Rugby is mediating the dispute after the state cut funding and registered a rival union, with the outcome likely to decide Samoa’s place in international rugby.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 09: Members of Samoa huddle and perform a pray following the Men's Pacific Championships Final match between New Zealand Kiwis and Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Manu Samoa have not played since the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Manu Samoa lost to Argentina 19-10 in their second pool match at the Rugby World Cup.
Samoan PM Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has warned that if the entire management does not stand down, including Lakapi Samoa chairman and former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, his administration, together with former Samoa rugby players and supporters, will establish a rival union.

Overview

  • The Samoan government announced it was ending recognition and all funding for Lakapi Samoa on Wednesday, saying the union had failed to fix long‑running governance and management problems.
  • Officials in Apia have registered a rival body called the Samoa Rugby and Football Union, but its public launch has been postponed while talks continue.
  • Local reports on Thursday said World Rugby gave Samoa a short deadline and warned of a possible four‑year suspension, but World Rugby has publicly denied issuing an ultimatum and says it is acting as a mediator in active talks.
  • Manu Samoa captain Theo McFarland and head coach Lemalu Tusiata Pisi have urged the prime minister to find a solution, warning that unresolved conflict could bar the team from the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
  • Lakapi Samoa remains the constitutionally established and internationally recognised union, and World Rugby rules that recognise only one national body mean government interference or competing unions risk suspension, a consequence seen in the Fiji case in 2023.