Samoa Rugby Union disappointed about alleged attack incident

24 July 2018, 12:00AM

The Samoa Rugby Union is disappointed about an incident, which has led to Manu Samoa Sevens player, Gordon Langkilde, being suspended, pending an investigation by World Rugby and the San Francisco Police Department.

The incident arose in the tunnel after Samoa lost to Wales in extra time of their Challenge Trophy clash.

The Samoa Rugby Union issued a statement regarding the matter last night.

“The S.R.U. is aware of an incident taking place post-match,” the statement quotes Zane Hilton, H.P.U. Manager as saying.

 “Incidents of this nature are extremely disappointing and take the focus off the game itself. The S.R.U. is currently supporting Gordon with the investigations with World Rugby and the local San Francisco police. Our major focus is to support Gordon with every effort possible at this time.” 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Rugby Players Association, Aayden Clarke, echoed similar sentiments.

 “An incident like this is never good for the game or the players involved,” he said. 

“We are working with S.R.U. to firstly ensure that effective legal representation and personal support is with Gordon Langkilde and secondly, that all the players of the Samoan and Wales teams are supported with what they need at this time. It is a precarious situation for Langkilde as we support him through the process with local authorities and World Rugby.” 

The alleged incident took place at the tunnel area of AT&T Park in San Francisco on Sunday.

This was confirmed in a statement issued by World Rugby yesterday.

“World Rugby can confirm that a Samoa player has been provisionally suspended from Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 following an initial investigation into an alleged incident in the tunnel area after a match between Samoa and Wales at AT&T Park on Saturday,” the statement reads.

“The alleged behaviour is not aligned with the sport’s values and the excellent spirit in which this competition has been played by the 40 participating teams.

“World Rugby has instigated an investigation and it would be inappropriate to make any further comment until the conclusion of that process. 

“The Samoa player will remain provisionally suspended until the final conclusion of that process.”

Reports from San Francisco said Wales player, Tom Williams, missed the Rugby World Cup Sevens final day through injury after an altercation with Langkilde.

Langkilde was part of Sir Gordon Tietjens team which finished 13th at the Sevens Rugby World Cup. 

24 July 2018, 12:00AM
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