The Samoa Rugby Union is going through a rebuilding phase where the High Performance Unit will be positioned to play a key role in achieving better results for the national teams.

This includes the Manu Samoa 15s, Manu Samoa Sevens, Manusina and age grade teams.

This was the gist of a presentation by the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Rugby Union, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i during a session with coaches to discuss their Strategic Plan for 2021. 

The session was held at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel.

“The weaknesses that has been shown so far by our teams are international funding constraints, relationship and support for sub unions in terms of sponsorship, field, resources and discipline,” he said.

Finances, as always, is a major challenge.

But the Chief Executive officer said prior to the Covid19, the Union had made excellent progress in dealing with its outstanding debt.

 “As we all know this is a national sport and it’s a passion shared by all Samoans.”

He acknowledged the Government’s contribution to the development of rugby as well as the HPU. 

Faleomavaega also referred to the contribution of rugby to the local economy.

“Our first time to host the All Blacks in 2015 was a success,” he said. 

“We were able to bring in many tourists from overseas and it contributed to the tourism industry. It is a way of giving back.”

The Samoa Rugby Union has just kicked started its programme since the Covid19 lockdown.