Union postpones retreat; denies security threat

The Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) has postponed a retreat scheduled to be held at an undisclosed location in Savai'i.

The decision was confirmed by the S.R.U's Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea'i, who said the cancellation was to allow the Union to complete “other works” and decisions from World Rugby, which is crucial to the goals of retreat.

The Chief Executive Officer also denied reports that the cancellation was over an alleged threat to the “safety and security” of Board members that include Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi as the Chairman.

“That is news to us,” Faleomavaega said. “It’s been rescheduled to next week because we have a lot of work that we need to complete before it is passed on to the Board [to discuss during the retreat].

“There is a lot of preparations that are not ready from our office that is crucial for our retreat programme like the position of the World Rugby on other matters that are pending.”

Faleomavaega pointed out that the Union has been busy lately with the closure of nominations for the Manu Samoa and Sevens coach vacancy. 

Several members of the local rugby fraternity alleged the cancellation of the S.R.U. retreat in Savai’i was due to “uncertainty and security and safety reasons” on the big island.  

Asked if the union had not foreseen these obligations prior to scheduling their retreat in Savai’I, the C.E.O. said they have been preparing for the retreat for a long time. 

“We need those decisions from the World Rugby for our rugby calendar and issues with international games pending,” he explained. 

“They have delayed their position and decision on those matters from the World Rugby and we can’t go ahead with our retreat pending those important decisions.” 

The C.E.O. added their office is working on arrangement of rescheduling the retreat and the venue. 

The S.R.U. were invited to be part of the Faasaleleaga Rugby Union launch in Savai'i on Saturday as part of the retreat programme. 

Attempts to get a comment from the Police were unsuccessful.