25 March 2026
Notice to World Rugby
Concerns regarding possible governance interference in Samoa Rugby
To:
World Rugby
Dear Sir/Madam,
This correspondence constitutes a pleading to World Rugby regarding serious and escalating governance concerns in Samoa Rugby.
Samoa is a rugby-loving nation and, together with the Samoan diaspora, we are seriously concerned with the material and imminent risk of non-compliance with World Rugby’s Regulations by the current government of Samoa. In the absence of clear and timely intervention, escalation now appears unavoidable.
Our Summary of Concerns:
It remains publicly reported that the Government of Samoa, led by Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, is considering or progressing the establishment of a rugby union entity separate from the recognised Samoa Rugby Union. This appears to be driven, at least in part, by Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt’s public hostility toward his political rival and the leader of the opposition, the recently retired chair of the Samoa Rugby Union, Dr Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
Such a development, if implemented, would fundamentally undermine the existing governance structure and create dual or competing authorities within a single jurisdiction.
Applicable Regulatory Framework:
The following provisions and principles within the framework of World Rugby are directly engaged:
- Regulation 2 (Membership) – recognising a single governing body per country as the member union.
- Regulation 6 (Association of Unions) – reinforcing the structure of recognised unions and their exclusive status within their territories.
-
World Rugby By-laws and Governance Principles – requiring:
- autonomy of member unions
- independence from governmental interference
- adherence to principles of integrity, transparency, and proper administration
Any state-influenced establishment of a parallel rugby body would constitute a breach of these provisions.
Failure to Intervene – Regulatory Exposure:
In circumstances where:
- credible notice of a potential breach has been provided; and
- the risk of non-compliance is both foreseeable and imminent,
a failure to take reasonable and timely steps may give rise to legitimate questions as to whether World Rugby has:
- adequately discharged its regulatory oversight obligations,
- acted consistently with its own governance standards; and
- taken appropriate measures to prevent avoidable disruption to the sport.
This is particularly so where the consequences—player exclusion, competition ineligibility, and funding withdrawal—are both severe and foreseeable.
Should the reported course of action proceed, the likely regulatory consequences include:
- immediate non-compliance by the Samoa Rugby Union
- suspension or expulsion from World Rugby membership
- loss of international playing rights and exclusion from competitions
- withdrawal of financial and development support
These outcomes would cause substantial prejudice to players and stakeholders and may have been preventable through earlier intervention had these matters been brought to the attention of your office earlier.
Final Opportunity for Action:
In light of the above, World Rugby is now respectfully requested, as a matter of urgency, to:
- confirm whether a formal investigation or compliance review has been initiated
- issue an immediate regulatory directive or advisory to relevant parties in Samoa
- clarify the regulatory consequences of establishing a parallel governing body
- take such interim measures as are necessary to preserve the status quo pending resolution
Notice of Escalation:
In the absence of a satisfactory response or visible regulatory action within a reasonable timeframe, the following steps are under active consideration:
- referral of the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for determination of governance and compliance issues
- consideration of appropriate avenues for public and institutional scrutiny concerning the enforcement of international rugby governance standards
This step is not taken lightly but reflects the seriousness of the issues and the need to ensure regulatory accountability.
Given the immediacy of the issues and the risk of irreversible regulatory breach, a prompt response is hereby respectfully requested.
Kindest regards,
Sala Pulotu Canada Alofa McCarthy
CTV Media Inc
Australia & New Zealand
