Tuilaepa Resigns as Lakapi Samoa Chairman Amid Funding Dispute

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has resigned as chairman of Lakapi Samoa, the governing body for rugby in Samoa. His departure marks the end of a significant tenure that lasted for over 26 years. Namulauulu Sami Leota, the current president of Lakapi Samoa, will assume the role of interim chairman, effective immediately. The union confirmed this change in a statement acknowledging Tuilaepa’s long-standing service and contributions to Samoan rugby.

Lakapi Samoa expressed gratitude for Tuilaepa’s leadership, noting that he played a pivotal role in elevating the sport’s profile both nationally and internationally. According to the statement, “His leadership spanned a significant period in the union’s history, during which Samoan rugby continued to strengthen its presence on the international stage while maintaining its deep roots within communities across the country.” Namulauulu echoed these sentiments, thanking Tuilaepa for his dedicated governance and support for the growth of rugby in Samoa.

The resignation comes amid a political standoff between Tuilaepa and the current Samoan Prime Minister, La’aulialemalietoa Polāta’ivao Schmidt. This conflict has stalled a new funding program worth AUD$150 million intended for the major rugby unions of Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. While Fiji and Tonga have signed the agreement, Samoa has not, primarily due to the Prime Minister’s insistence that Tuilaepa and his board step down before any agreement can be finalized.

In a recent press conference, La’auli made it clear he would not endorse any new rugby agreement until the current leadership of Lakapi Samoa resigns. He indicated that if the board does not vacate their positions, he would collaborate with former rugby players and supporters to form a new rugby union in Samoa. The Prime Minister’s statement suggested that the existing management is responsible for the current disarray in Samoan rugby.

According to the government-owned Savali Newspaper, La’auli has informed representatives from Rugby Australia, including General Manager of Government Relations and Pacific Partnerships Daniel Millis, about the situation. Discussions revolved around the Veimoana Partnership, which aims to allocate AUD$50 million each to the rugby unions of Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga over the next five years. This initiative is intended to develop rugby in these Pacific nations, but progress remains stalled for Samoa.

Tuilaepa responded to the Prime Minister’s actions, calling it a “ridiculous political decision” to withhold funds merely due to his long-standing chairmanship. He insisted that his resignation would be a personal decision, not one imposed by political pressures. Tuilaepa also defended the current Lakapi Samoa board, stating there is “nothing wrong” with its governance.

He claimed that since La’auli took office, the Prime Minister has refused to sign the Veimoana Partnership agreement, aiming instead to replace the Lakapi Samoa board. Tuilaepa emphasized that the politicization of rugby management is detrimental and stated that World Rugby has already expressed its disapproval of forming a new rugby union in Samoa.

Despite the ongoing tensions, Tuilaepa urged Rugby Australia to proceed with the funding allocation for Fiji and Tonga, as both unions have signed the necessary agreements. La’auli reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the funding from Australia is distributed transparently and effectively. He expressed optimism about resolving the issues between the government and Lakapi Samoa to ensure future cooperation.

In the meantime, Fiji Rugby Union board chairman John Sanday indicated that they would advocate for the release of funding to both Fiji and Tonga if Samoa continues to delay its agreement. Tonga Rugby Union chief executive Aisea Aholelei expressed hope that the situation with Samoa would be resolved soon, allowing their plans to progress without further hindrance.