Fotuali’i rallies Manu for England

Manu Samoa’s star halfback, Kahn Fotuali’i, is rallying his team for a big effort against England this weekend, despite the controversy involving the Manu Samoa.

Yesterday, Fotuali’i confirmed that the players had been "serious" in their threat to boycott the match against England over longstanding issues about the administration of the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U).

But although the issues remain unresolved, Fotuali’i said the focus has for now shifted into delivering a winning result which would draw further attention to their cause.

"Our protest is now to play well against England,” said Fotuali’i. “That is the biggest statement we can make."

Fotuali’i added that the players are serious to push on with the issues against the administration of rugby in Samoa.

"It wasn't there just as a little threat,” Fotuali’i said about the boycott.

“All we wanted was for the S.R.U to come together and listen to us."

Fotuali’i said senior players will be involved in further meetings this week with the International Rugby Board to try to resolve the dispute.

The issue came to a head a fortnight ago when the squad issued their boycott ultimatum and Toulouse prop Census Johnston revealed yesterday it was only the potential knock-on effects of pulling out of the fixture which persuaded the side to play this weekend.

Yesterday, Manu Samoa Manager, Namaulauulu Sami Leota, confirmed that the match is going ahead.

"The game is proceeding as agreed upon," Namulauulu told the British media.

Manu Samoa’s star halfback, Kahn Fotuali’i, is rallying his team for a big effort against England this weekend, despite the controversy involving the Manu Samoa. 

Yesterday, Fotuali’i confirmed that the players had been "serious" in their threat to boycott the match against England over longstanding issues about the administration of the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U).

But although the issues remain unresolved, Fotuali’i said the focus has for now shifted into delivering a winning result which would draw further attention to their cause.

"Our protest is now to play well against England,” said Fotuali’i. “That is the biggest statement we can make."

Fotuali’i added that the players are serious to push on with the issues against the administration of rugby in Samoa.

"It wasn't there just as a little threat,” Fotuali’i said about the boycott.

“All we wanted was for the S.R.U to come together and listen to us."

Fotuali’i said senior players will be involved in further meetings this week with the International Rugby Board to try to resolve the dispute.

The issue came to a head a fortnight ago when the squad issued their boycott ultimatum and Toulouse prop Census Johnston revealed yesterday it was only the potential knock-on effects of pulling out of the fixture which persuaded the side to play this weekend.

Yesterday, Manu Samoa Manager, Namaulauulu Sami Leota, confirmed that the match is going ahead.

"The game is proceeding as agreed upon," Namulauulu told the British media.

"There is no threat and the boycott has been cancelled. It's all been sorted."

Last week, the Samoa players' unhappiness became public knowledge when, following a report in Britain's Rugby Paper, the I.R.B released a statement saying they had been made aware of the Pacific Islanders' concerns last month.

However, the I.R.B also said they expected the match, the third of England's four home internationals in November, to go ahead as planned.

"The players met with the IRB and the players' association and as a result of those discussions the boycott was called off," Namulau’ulu said.

"Now the idea is to keep the camp tight and focus on the game.”

Earlier, Samoa's senior internationals called for their concerns -- some of which date back to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand -- to be dealt with urgently "to ensure positive change for the benefit of Samoa rugby".

The grievances included an alleged lack of financial transparency within the Samoa Rugby Union with players being expected to pay air fares, coaches being denied a free-rein on selection and team line-ups being announced on social media before players had been notified.

Samoa, the top performing Pacific island nation and twice World Cup quarter-finalists, have in recent years recorded wins against top-tier countries such as Australia, Wales and Scotland.

Members of the Samoa team who beat Canada 23-13 in Vannes, north-west France, last Saturday met with the I.R.B and the I.R.P.A over the weekend but the S.R.U chose not to be represented at the talks.

Mahonri Schwalger, who captained Samoa at the 2011 World Cup, was axed from the side a year later when he wrote a damning assessment of the management in a report to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.

Following the weekend meeting, Samoa forward Daniel Leo said the players have had to "endure these ongoing 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."

Meanwhile Tuilaepa called the issues "opinions of little kids" and suggested the cream of Samoan rugby pull out if they are not happy.

"If they don't want to play then don't come. There are many players here who are looking for an opportunity. We're not forcing you. So submit your resignation and we'll select new players," he said last week.

Saturday's match is Samoa's final fixture of a European tour that started with a 24-13 defeat by Italy before the win over the Canada.

- With reporting from www.sport.uk, Reuters, Belfast Telegraph and the Express UK.

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