Samoa Rugby Union CEO Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i said the departure of general manager of High Performance Zane Hilton shouldn’t be too much of an issue for the Union.

Hilton resigned this week from the role, which involves overseeing the performance and direction of Samoa’s national teams.

But Faleomavaega said next person in the job will just pick up where he left off.

“People are all replaceable.

“That’s just the nature of our industry, that people come and go.”

He said Hilton is heading off to Japan, where he believes the Australian has been offered a coaching role.

“He’s always had a passion to return to coaching, he first came here as a technical advisor to the Manu Samoa team.”

Faleomavaega said S.R.U cannot compete financially with overseas offers, not just with players but administration and coaching staff also.

“It’s the same in New Zealand or Australia, they are all heading to Europe or Asia where the money is.”

Hilton had been committed to the role long-term, with September’s Rugby World Cup a key upcoming event.

Faleomavaega said these sorts of contracts tend to have clauses in them where either party can simply give notice and end them

“An opportunity like this could come along at any time during the year.”

Hilton’s main task for the Manu Samoa leading up to September was recruiting players, and identifying as many players as possible who were both willing and eligible to represent the country.

Faleomavaega said Hilton was just part of a process that involved a collective effort among Manu Samoa management.

“We’re quite confident that it’s business as usual for us.

“In the past, from the Union’s point of view, it’s always referred back to the coach to then do the one on ones with the players.”

He said S.R.U are currently in discussions with World Rugby to find and appoint a replacement.

“The good thing is a plan has already been set up and approved by the board for Rugby World Cup.”

Faleomavaega said now it was just a matter of implementing that plan.