“It’s useless to be arrogant,” P.M. says

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 14 September 2018, 12:00AM

Arrogance will not get the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) any monetary assistance from World Rugby. 

That’s what Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said yesterday, reiterating the point that the cash-strapped Union must do what World Rugby tells them to do.

He was speaking during his weekly media conference to explain why the Union has abruptly decided to re-advertise the Manu Samoa Coaching job a year before the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

 “We have to adhere what they (World Rugby) say otherwise it’s useless to be arrogant and in the end we will not get any money,” he said. 

“And that is why we needed to re-advertise the position."

“Remember when we overturned the decision on the coach position and they were not happy?”

This time around, things are different and the Union needs to follow the process dictated by World Rugby, Tuilaepa added. 

“Basically, we need the money and that is why we have to follow their rules. The situation with the Union is that we don’t have money and this is why we always end up going back to members of the public to ask for support through fundraising.”

Another issue is the push by the S.R.U. to have a seat on the World Rugby Council.

Tuilaepa said it’s important that Samoa follows the reforms outlined by World Rugby. 

Tuilaepa said he met with officials of World Rugby in London during his recent trip and they have sorted out their issues which always are about finances. 

The Prime Minister also commended Fuimaono for coaching Samoa to the qualify for the World Cup.

He then spoke about Lupesoliai Joseph Parker’s career when reaching the top level, which is when the lions come out. 

“That is why I said what I said to Lupesoliai, that when it’s the top level we have to the lions to deal with lions and that is the same thing we are taking here.” 

Tuilaepa said Fuimaono is welcome to re-apply and if he is chosen, he could well be the man to take the team to the Rugby World Cup.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 14 September 2018, 12:00AM
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