S.R.U. will not apologise to former coach, says Tuilaepa

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 06 November 2018, 12:00AM

The Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) will not apologise to former Manu Samoa coach, Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua. 

This is according to Prime Minister and Chairman of the S.R.U., Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

“Apologise for what,” said Tuilaepa. 

In August 2018, the S.R.U. terminated Fuimaono’s contract and last month the former coach threatened to sue the S.R.U., he also wanted a public apology and pay off his contract. 

The threat, which was conveyed in a letter dated September 29, 2018 to the S.R.U. Chief Executive Officer, was copied to the Union’s Board Members as well as S.R.U. Chairman. 

“The termination is substantively unjustified and procedurally unfair,” Fuimaono writes. 

“According to my terms of contract of employment signed on 17th May 2018 [copy attached], I have not breached any grounds to warrant immediate termination. 

“Nor have I breached any other term of my contract relating to performance or otherwise,” Fuimaono writes.

Fuimaono said he has not been given any warnings about his performance or conduct as a high performance head coach. 

“To my knowledge, I have fulfilled and met my key performance indicators as outlined.

“You are not entitled to terminate my contract unless upon the grounds of good cause. Your letter of termination does not contain any grounds, nor have you otherwise informed me of any concerns about or related to my role and work.”

Responding to the Samoa Observer, Tuilaepa referred to the contract. 

“We have followed what is outlined in the contract signed with the former coach.” 

As indicated in the contract we signed, there is a clause that it can be terminated by either each party, whether it’s us or him; what’s clear is that it can be terminated any time, said Tuilaepa. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 06 November 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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