The impression given by Lakapi Samoa is that the sporting organisation is looking at bankruptcy and it needs urgent cash injection either from World Rugby or the government if they are to function normally.

It is sad news for the players and the die-hard rugby fans that there will be no Northern Hemisphere tests for Manu Samoa. The reason given is financial constraints.

A letter penned by Lakapi Samoa Chairman Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to the Chairman of World Rugby, To’oto’omua Sir Bill Beaumont confirmed the union’s latest position.

The correspondence dated 11t July 2024 stated “The decision has not been made lightly and is a direct result of the significant financial challenges currently facing Lakapi Samoa”.

Tuilaepa said the commitment to the sport of rugby and desire to compete at the highest level remains resolute.

However, the financial realities faced by Lakapi Samoa necessitate a more cautious approach to international engagements to ensure its long-term sustainability and stability.

“This is a crucial decision to prevent a recurrence of the circumstances that had previously impacted Lakapi Samoa,” he added, “and avoid the embarrassment of being the first small union to go bankrupt”.

“We tried very hard to follow good governance principles but in reality, the lack of sponsorships in small economies is the greatest challenge stifling our efforts in growing and sustaining the sport.” 

This implies if the tests were not cancelled, then the financial status of the union would have been dire. It is no secret that Lakapi Samoa is cash-strapped. This is a fact stated by its Chief Executive Officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea'i. He has said that the union at most times operates on an overdraft.

What does this situation mean for rugby in the country? Rugby remains the nation’s number one sport. It is not only a game but for many a way of life. Rugby for some is employment and for many it is like a religion.

Does this mean that this would impact local competitions? Will the lack of finances have any bearing on the nation’s ability to produce a sevens team? What about the Pacific Nations Cup or grassroots development?

These are questions that must be answered. Some of these are programs under World Rugby for specific functions, surely those will not be hindered. National coaches past and present know the value of having international tests with top tier teams. With this decision, there is a major setback in playing top notch teams.

That also means that after the PNC, it would be at least a year before the Manu Samoa is assembled again. This cuts off the connection the team has started to build under a new coach and a new bunch of players.

Tuilaepa is right in saying that every sporting body is fighting for a slice of the cake. The size of the cake remains but the number of mouths increases, making the slices smaller. This also shows that forward thinking in utilising the Manu Samoa brand has been absent or not working.

This also shows that the overseas company partnered to bring in sponsors for Lakapi Samoa has not yet paid dividends. This calls for a new approach.

Lakapi Samoa turns 100 years old this year. There have been some achievements but the empty bank accounts after 100 years call for a change in where Lakapi Samoa is headed. The sports ministry or the Lakapi Samoa board should intervene and conduct an audit to show how money has been used and can be used better.

It also does not make sense that the November tours have been shelved but other projects such as the ambitious rugby stadium remain. Operating a sporting facility is not easy, it comes with its expenses. If the operations are not manageable leading to this situation, the success of a stadium seems like a long shot.

Urgent action is required on how this stalemate can be turned around. World Rugby has come out and said this was a direct consequence of decisions made by Lakapi Samoa.

The biggest question now is “What will it take to turn things around?” Whatever it is, it needs to be done urgently for the sake of the game we all love.