Luatuanu’u Rugby Club suspended

By Ulimasao Fata 22 March 2018, 12:00AM

The Luatuanu’u Rugby Club has been temporarily banned from participating in any rugby tournaments.

This was confirmed by Samoa Rugby Union C.E.O. Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i.

On Monday, a fight between Falefa and Luatuanu’u broke out during the rugby match at Saoluafata. This led to youths and untitled men of Luatuanu’u putting up a road block. 

Seven people and eight Police officers were hospitalized. 

“Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has already spoken. He is the country’s leader and he is also the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union. 

“Tuilaepa had spoken on the decision by the Government to temporarily ban the team and that’s the decision from the Samoa Rugby Union Board.” 

Tuilaepa, while speaking to the media on Monday, said the Luatuanu’u Rugby Club should be terminated.

He also mentioned they looked at eliminating Luatuanu’u people from overseas programmes such as the seasonal workers scheme.

When Faleomavaega was asked if the decision applies to any Luatuanu’u players selected for the Legends Franchise team, he said: “That has not been discussed yet, but the only thing clear now is that any rugby team from Luatuanu’u is temporarily banned.”

President of the Anoama’a Rugby Union and Luatuanu’u Rugby Club, Luamanuvae Gaugau Mateo, said the decision affects the development of rugby players in his village.

He also mentioned that the Anoama’a Rugby Union board had already discussed and agreed to settle the issue within their union before the tournament starts.

Luamanuvae hopes the Prime Minister changes his mind and decision on the Luatuanu’u Rugby team.

By Ulimasao Fata 22 March 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>