Opposition and the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, criticised a Samoa Observer editorial linking rugby and politics, following questions raised about changes to the governance of Lakapi Samoa.

The criticism came after concerns were raised over proposals to change rugby governance structures, which Tuilaepa said were restricted by the rugby union's constitution.

He said the Samoa Observer published an incorrect editorial that questioned the writer’s understanding of rugby and politics in Samoa.

“There was a very wrong editorial that the Observer published. I don’t know who wrote the article, but it shows that it was written by someone who does not fully understand rugby in Samoa. They do not understand politics and the meaning of dirty politics that impact decision-making,” he said.

He said political interference leads to wrong decisions and challenged the newspaper to identify what decisions it was referring to.

“I ask the Observer, what are those decisions? I know it was not a Samoan who wrote this,” he said.

He went on to discuss the performance of the national 15s team during what he described as its peak, placing the blame for the current state of rugby on coaches.

“The reason rugby is bad is because of the coaches,” he said, adding that continued issues with the government involved could see Samoa excluded from competitions. He also criticised the national sevens programme, saying it declined due to decisions made under former coach Tuliaupupu Brian Lima.

“The sevens went down because of Brian,” he said.

He said this was what the Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, failed to understand, warning that current actions could result in Samoa being pulled out of World Rugby. Tuilaepa said Fiji is an example of a country where government involvement has caused disruptions to rugby.

He urged the Prime Minister to address other issues rather than involve politics in rugby operations.

The criticism, which lasted about 10 minutes, covered a range of issues. He then focused back on the Samoa Observer. He said standards were declining and called on the Samoa Observer’s management to review the editorial.

“That is why I want to know who wrote this. They are not Samoan. The Samoa Observer management should look at this article,” he said.

“People know what is right. It’s looking like you support Laauli,” he said. Despite his criticism, he said the newspaper should continue its work.

“Observer, still do your job. Your job is good, but it doesn’t mean we cannot criticise you. We support you, but if it is wrong, we will not hold back our complaint,” he said.