Samoa Rugby Central

11/08/2026

Samoa’s Rugby Split Deepens as School Pathway Moves Towards New Union

Samoa’s rugby governance dispute has entered a new phase, with the Government’s education ministry moving school rugby programmes towards the newly established Samoa Rugby Football Union while World Rugby recognition remains unresolved.

The SRFU was formally launched in Apia earlier this month as an alternative to Lakapi Samoa, following months of confrontation between the Government and the existing rugby administration.

The Ministry of Education and Culture’s decision to align primary and secondary school rugby with the SRFU represents the most significant practical development since the rival body’s formation.

However, the international picture remains unchanged. There has been no verified announcement from World Rugby recognising the SRFU or removing Lakapi Samoa from its position within the international rugby structure.

The dispute has also drawn direct concern from Manu Samoa leadership, with captain Tusi Pisi and head coach Theo McFarland urging the Prime Minister to find a resolution that protects Samoa’s international rugby future.

With the domestic rugby pathway increasingly divided, attention now turns to whether the Government and Lakapi Samoa can reach an agreement, and ultimately how World Rugby will respond to Samoa’s competing governance structures.

For now, the SRFU is gaining domestic ground, but Lakapi Samoa’s international status remains the critical unresolved issue.

29/07/2026

Government Withdraws Recognition of Lakapi Samoa as Rugby Governance Dispute Deepens

The future of rugby union governance in Samoa entered a significant new chapter today after the Government of Samoa formally withdrew its recognition and support of Lakapi Samoa.

The announcement represents the strongest action yet by the Government following months of discussion surrounding governance reform and the possibility of establishing a new national rugby union organisation.

Despite the Government’s decision, Lakapi Samoa continues to be recognised internationally as Samoa’s governing body by World Rugby and remains responsible for administering Manu Samoa’s participation in international rugby, including this year’s World Rugby Nations Cup.

At the time of publication, World Rugby has not announced any change to Samoa’s official member union.

The latest development is expected to intensify discussions between the Government, Lakapi Samoa and World Rugby over the future governance of rugby in the country. Any transition to a new governing body would likely require formal recognition by World Rugby before it could assume responsibility for Samoa’s international teams.

With rugby holding a unique place in Samoan society, stakeholders across the Pacific will be closely watching how the situation unfolds in the coming weeks.

18/07/2026

MALO TAU, MANU SAMOA! 🇼🇸

A courageous performance from our boys in blue. The result didn’t go our way, but the fight, heart and pride shown for Samoa never stopped until the final whistle.

Fa’afetai, Manu Samoa. We stand with you always. ❤️💙

17/07/2026

MANU SAMOA TEAM LIST 🇼🇸

The team is locked in for our World Rugby Nations Cup clash against Romania.

🆚 Manu Samoa 🇼🇸 vs Romania 🇷🇴
⏰ Sunday 18 July | 3:30am (Samoa Time)
📺 LIVE on TV5 Samoa

Let’s get behind the boys as they represent Samoa with pride.

Manuia lau tapua’iga Samoa! 🇼🇸💙

12/07/2026

Manu Samoa captain Miracle Fai’ilagi was left disappointed after his side suffered a 33-12 loss to Georgia in their second World Rugby Nations Cup match on Sunday morning.

“Very disappointing as a leader,” Fai’ilagi said. “We didn’t turn up today. Credit to the Georgian team. They came out and went on top of us.”

Handling errors, missed tackles and problems at the set-piece prevented Samoa from building momentum throughout the match. Peter Umaga-Jensen was a standout throughout the 80 minutes, moving the ball well and breaking Georgia’s defence, though it cost Samoa a penalty.

Georgia took an early 9-0 lead through three penalty kicks, including two inside the opening 10 minutes as Samoa came under pressure at scrum time.

It was a jaw-clenching watch for many Samoans as the boys in blue struggled to find their rhythm against a Georgian side that controlled the match and made fewer mistakes.Manu Samoa captain Miracle Fai’ilagi was left disappointed after his side suffered a 33-12 loss to Georgia in their second Wor....

11/07/2026

Malo tau, malo le finau Manu Samoa🇼🇸

11/07/2026

MANU SAMOA TEAM LIST | MATCHDAY 🇼🇸

🆚 Manu Samoa 🇼🇸 vs Georgia 🇬🇪
⏰ Sunday 12 July | 8:00AM (Samoan Time)
📺 LIVE on TV5 Samoa

ALO I OU FAIVA MANU SAMOA🙏🏾

11/07/2026

04/07/2026

FULLTIME | Manu Samoa 66–19 Hong Kong 🇼🇸

A dominant opening statement from Manu Samoa in the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup, running in 10 tries to secure a convincing 66-19 victory over Hong Kong. Miracle Faiilagi crossed early, while Tuna Tuitama and Elisapeta Alofipo both finished with doubles as Samoa showcased their attacking firepower. AJ Alatimu controlled the game brilliantly from the tee, adding eight conversions.

An outstanding start to the campaign—bring on the next challenge.

Malo tau, Manu Samoa! 🇼🇸💙

02/07/2026

Round 1
Game Fixtures
Watch it live with TV5 Samoa or catch free livestream on RugbyPassTv app
🇼🇸https://rugbypass.tv/live/304956
🇹🇴https://rugbypass.tv/live/304958