{
  "id": 66292,
  "title": "'Something is very wrong': Samoa rugby split deepens with launch of rival union",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/something-is-very-wrong-samoa-rugby-split-deepens-with-launch-of",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T00:50:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RNZ Pacific",
    "slug": "rnz-pacific",
    "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/871972/something-is-very-wrong-samoa-rugby-split-deepens-with-launch-of-rival-union"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new rugby union has emerged in Samoa, intensifying an existing rift between the island nation's government and the existing Lakapi Samoa organization. This rival union, known as the Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU), was inaugurated at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel on Friday evening. Simultaneously, Lakapi Samoa's chairman, Afioga Namulauulu Papali'i Leota Sami Leota, and his board have stepped aside for a review. The new SRFU was established just two days after the Samoan government announced it was withdrawing support for Lakapi Samoa, plunging the country's rugby scene into uncertainty. Both the Samoa Observer and Talamua Online News reported the launch of the new body over the weekend. SRFU secretary Tafafunai Aialii Anapu affirmed the organization's commitment to its establishment and its aim to unify Samoa's rugby community. According to RNZ Pacific sources, World Rugby had provided conditions to the Samoan government, though World Rugby denied issuing an ultimatum, stating they were in a mediating role with all parties. The Pacific Rugby Players Welfare (PRPW) disclosed that Lakapi Samoa's board chairman and his board members have stepped aside pending a review, announcing a caretaker board will be appointed in the interim. The PRPW stated this is a period of significant change for Samoan rugby, requiring a complete reset. However, Lakapi Samoa has yet to respond to RNZ Pacific's inquiries about the resignations of its board members. Talamua Online News reported that the new union is led by former Manu Samoa representative Matafeo George Latu as chairman. He explained that the SRFU was formed due to the current state of Samoan rugby, which negatively impacts its future, the lack of innovation by the board and management, the mistrust of district rugby unions in Lakapi Samoa, and the absence of accountability. \"Something is very wrong with Samoa rugby,\" Latu stated at the launch. \"What saddens me more is the lack of accountability for the underperformance of our teams, with the blame being placed on the players, coaches, and even the government for not providing sufficient funds. Not once have I heard those who govern rugby in Samoa own up or take responsibility for the dire state of Samoan rugby.\" Latu emphasized that sports and politics should not be mixed, warning of the danger politicians can pose in sporting boards by using sports to further their political agendas. Prime Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt had previously expressed his lack of support for Lakapi Samoa's board, including former Prime Minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi, who stepped down earlier this year as board chairman. Tuila'epa had warned that a rival union and government interference could be detrimental to Samoan rugby, potentially leading to suspension by World Rugby.",
  "summary": "This comes despite efforts by the sport's global governing body to mediate a resolution to the current impasse between the Samoan government and Lakapi Samoa.",
  "key_points": [
    "New Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU) launched in Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel.",
    "SRFU chairman Matafeo George Latu blames Lakapi Samoa's board for rugby's underperformance.",
    "World Rugby mediating between government and both rugby unions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/66292.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}