Players speak out, I.R.B. probe likely

"There is no solution at the moment. It was just important we confirm what the Samoan players did today - that they will play against England"

The International Rugby Board (I.R.B) is not ruling out an investigation into how the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U) is spending funds from the international game’s mother body.

The possibility was raised with the I.R.B Chief Executive Officer, Brett Gosper, during an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, where he was asked whether there was a need to examine how the I.R.B.'s funding is being used with regards to Samoa.

The question comes at a time when senior players have spoken out against the S.R.U, demanding more transparency and accountability.

Mr. Gosper said there are "very stringent criteria" already in place to govern the use of funds but refused to rule out a further investigation.

The interview followed the latest meeting between the I.R.B, the International Rugby Players Association (I.R.P.A) and senior members of the Manu Samoa over a number of grievances expressed by the players in relation to the S.R.U.

“The first meeting took place (on) Saturday 15th November at which the International Rugby Players Association (I.R.P.A.) and the Samoa players engaged in good discussion and information sharing with the I.R.B.,” a statement from the I.R.P.A said. “Unfortunately the S.R.U. chose not to have representation at the meeting.”

Since this meeting, Manu Samoa team manager, Namulau'ulu Sami Leota told RNZI, that the Ambassador to the European Union for Samoa, Dr. Paolelei Luteru, represented the Union.

This information comes in the wake of a boycott threat levied by the national players in protest against their treatment at the hands of the S.R.U.

According to the statement from I.R.P.A , the players believe that they were left with no other course of action in order to ensure positive change for the benefit of Samoa Rugby.

The statement quotes a number of senior players.

Veteran flanker, Maurie Fa’asavalu, spoke the loudest calling out the S.R.U. on its lack of credibility as an organisation.

“As players, we will work to ensure transparency and integrity within Samoan rugby,” he said.

“This is needed to allow us to fulfil the potential of Samoan rugby and succeed in the modern game”.

Another senior player and lock, Daniel Leo believes that the Manu have had to endure these on going issues for far too long.

“This is about us, the players deciding enough is enough, and seeking positive change and input for the benefit of Samoan rugby and the welfare of future players,” he said.

“We believe that organising ourselves and taking this approach was the only way the game would take our concerns and issues seriously”.

Prop Census Johnston echoed these remarks saying that as players, the team fully understand the commercial realities and performance-based nature of professional sport.

“But we believe the opportunities for positive developments in our playing environment and rugby in Samoa is currently compromised,” he said.

“Not only do we want to see the issues addressed, but we also want to be part of the solution."

“We are a small nation of proud people, we need to work together to better represent Samoa and securing the future of the game”.

Star halfback, Kahn Fotuali’i added “from this day forward the players will be professionally represented and engaged in the administration and governance of our rugby environment.

“We want the opportunity to contribute positively and to do so with confidence in our administration”.

Josh Blackie, from the Pacific Island Players Association (P.I.P.A.) says the players are genuine stakeholders in the game and must be treated and valued as such.

“The future success of Samoan rugby is dependent on the players being integral to the administration of the game,” he said.

“The players are now engaged and committed to the ongoing discussions with the games administration and look forward to actionable, definite outcomes.”

I.R.P.A. Executive Director, Rob Nichol, said the I.R.P.A and the Samoan international players are committed to working alongside the I.R.B. to ensure positive discussions with the S.R.U., all with a focus on what is best for the future of rugby in Samoa.

“I.R.P.A. believes that with the support of the I.R.B. it is important that the S.R.U. take up the opportunity and come to the table willing to engage meaningfully on the issues,” sad Mr Nichol.

“From our perspective that would be a good first step in resolving this situation – without meaningful communication things will not improve”.

Returning to the Belfast Telegraph report, it says that the I.R.B. admits steps must be taken to ensure there is no repeat of Samoa's off-field row at next year's World Cup.

Mr. Gosper said the S.R.U., the players, the I.R.P.A. and the I.R.B. have held talks to resolve the issue and "there is no threat to the game whatsoever at Twickenham".

I.R.B. Chairman Bernard Lapasset, speaking at the World Rugby ConfEx, continued: "The first priority was to get the game in place at Twickenham and that has been achieved."

"We are in discussion with the Samoans - I have had a personal letter from the President of the Samoa Rugby Union which I have responded to and we have opened discussions with the players themselves."

"It is too early to decide what the profile will be for the future but it is important we listen and continue to work together."

"There is no solution at the moment. It was just important we confirm what the Samoan players did today - that they will play against England."

The Telegraph reports the threat to strike was first issued three weeks ago when the Samoan players submitted a draft press release to the IRB, in which they stated their grievances against the Samoa Rugby Union.

It says the issue highlights the need for engagement with unions of less established rugby nations, particularly with the start of the World Cup in England just 10 months away.

"We have to respect the unions and we need to establish a very confident relationship with the Chairmen of the Unions," Lapasset said.

"It is important they know what we are doing for the format of the competition and for the rights of the professional player."

"It is important we discuss these things more formally with the unions so we can confirm participation in the competitions we have in the future."

The statement from the I.R.P.A says the proposed boycott was withdrawn after agreement was reached between the Samoan players association P.I.P.A., I.R.P.A. and the I.R.B. to engage in dialogue to facilitate a collaborative and positive resolution to the concerns.

The Samoa International players outlined their concerns following their ongoing frustration at what they feel has been a significant period of substandard administration and governance within their National Union from the grass roots through to the international level.

As it currently stands the players lack confidence in the S.R.U. and their operations, and believe strongly that things need to change once and for all. In the past attempts by the players to raise their concerns with the S.R.U. have been unsuccessful.

With I.R.P.A. support it is the Samoan International players’ strong desire to work with the S.R.U. and I.R.B. and engage on these issues with a view to developing positive outcomes for the benefit of Samoa Rugby. They are now asking the

S.R.U. to commit to meaningful communication and discussion on the issues with all parties.

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