Manu Samoa Sevens captain, Alatasi Tupou, has been suspended from all rugby for two weeks.

The suspension does not include being stood down from the team for London and Paris legs of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

The decision was confirmed by the Samoa Rugby Union in a statement it issued today.

The statement reads:

On Saturday, Manu 7’s captain Alatasi Tupou met with the SRU High Performance Unit Integrity Committee. At this meeting it was concluded that a minor breach of the players contract had occurred on the evening of 26th of May prior to departure for the London leg of the World Series Tour. 

The committee concluded that Alatasi will be suspended from all playing for two weeks not including the stand down from the current leg of the tour and will undergo counselling as a part of his rehabilitation. 

SRU is in full support of Alatasi as he deals with the disappointment of the country due to his actions. Alatasi has been a devoted servant of Samoa Rugby for over a decade and the SRU recognises his strong contribution. The committee believes that there is genuine remorse for his actions. 

Pacific Rugby Players association CEO Aayden Clarke commented that “Alatasi will be supported through this tough time. He is very disappointed to have let down SRU, his team mates and his family. Alatasi acknowledges that he made a poor judgment error and accepts that as a leader not only in the team, but in the community he needs to set a better example. He is now focused on training hard and preparing for the Sevens Rugby World Cup.