Samoa ‘avoid embarrassment’ by withdrawing from Northern Hemisphere tour – report
Samoa rugby have pulled out of their Northern Hemisphere tour for financial reasons.
Samoa have pulled out of their proposed tour to the Northern Hemisphere due to financial issues, according to a report by RNZ Pacific.
Things had been looking up for Samoa following positive performances at both the World Cup and the mid-year internationals, but this is yet another blow for the Pacific Islanders.
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In a letter to World Rugby, which was seen by RNZ Pacific, they have pulled out of the tour ‘avoid embarrassment of being the first small union to go bankrupt’.
Writing to World Rugby chairman, Bill Beaumont, Samoa board chair, Tu’ilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, said: “Our commitment to the sport of rugby and our desire to compete at the highest level remains resolute. However, the financial realities we face necessitate a more cautious approach to our international engagements to ensure the long-term sustainability and stability of Lakapi Samoa.
He added: “This is a crucial decision to prevent a recurrence of the circumstances that has previously impacted Lakapi Samoa, and avoid an embarrassment of being the first small union to go bankrupt.
“…the lack of sponsorships in small economies is the greatest challenge stifling our efforts in growing and sustaining the sport.”
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“Working collaboratively with World Rugby”
The letter also called for ‘strategic interventions and support from World Rugby’ to assist Samoa in their financial woes.
“Given these challenges, we believe there is a critical need for more strategic interventions and support from World Rugby. While we appreciate the existing frameworks of support, we believe that a more targeted approach could make a significant difference,” the letter read.
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“We propose the exploration of targeted initiatives that can make a genuine and lasting difference for a country the size of Samoa. This could include enhanced financial assistance, and more robust support structures to help us navigate the complexities of international competition.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with World Rugby to develop solutions that will ensure the sustainability and growth of Samoan rugby.”
This isn’t the first time the Samoan Rugby Union has reached out for help from World Rugby.
In 2017, Malielegaoi declared the Union bankrupt on the eve of their clash with Scotland, and World Rugby committed £1.5 million to help keep them afloat. England also provided a ‘goodwill payment’ to the SRU following the team’s meeting that year.
Rugby union is the national sport in Samoa, with the national team currently ranked 13th in the world at the time of writing.
