The government is planning to establish another rugby union and has ceased all funding to Lakapi Samoa, said Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt during an interview with the media.

He was asked about the government stopping funds for the Lakapi Samoa. Laaulialemalietoa said the government will not assist with funding anymore unless the Lakapi Samoa board does what the government is advising.

"The government is getting near the stage where a new rugby union will be established and will be under the government," he said.

"The only reason for the delay is that we have to see if this is accepted by World Rugby.

"Lakapi Samoa is independent and has its own constitution; the board is not accepting the requests made by the government."

La'aulialemalietoa said the government had been assisting with a million tala every year.

La'aulialemalietoa did not elaborate on the requests given by the government but said rugby is not the only sport in Samoa that the government is trying to develop.

Lakapi Samoa's chairman is Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, the opposition leader. He has previously stated that Lakapi Samoa is autonomous and government influence on the union could lead to sanctions from World Rugby.