The Lakapi Samoa Chairman has refuted claims that the game's governing body is directly benefiting from private donations meant for Manu Samoa players and rugby's development.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told reporters in his weekly press conference this week that Lakapi Samoa is hosting a radiothon that is collecting funding for both the players and rugby development in the country.

He said accusations from members of the public that the fundraising will not achieve anything for the code are false and the funds collected are vital as grants received from international organisations are not enough for their operational costs. 

"The union cannot fund all of its activities and operations through funds we get from international donors. It's not enough and any country should have its own contributions," the Chairman said.

"We used to rely on Digicel and Vodafone for funds as well as the government and its organisations, mainly Samoa International Finance Authority. Hence there should also be a radiothon for members of the public because there's no doubt that there are people out there who also want to contribute."

According to the former prime minister, there are also individuals who want to contribute directly to the Manu Samoa players, which he didn't understand as ultimately Lakapi Samoa pays for all player-related expenses.

"This is also important because there are some people who contribute but instead want to give their money straight to the players instead of the union when the union is paying for everything including all the expenses from every fundraiser the union does."

There have also been instances of fraud committed by people who pretended to be members of Lakapi Samoa and went ahead and collected funds, said Tuilaepa. 

"Then they end up giving only very little amount of those funds raised to the players instead of the union and hold the rest for themselves," he said. 

He said that currently fundraising events are being held in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States for rugby in Samoa, but their organisers have refused to pass on the funds to Lakapi Samoa, and instead opted to make direct donations to the players. 

"But it is the union that is feeding and funding everything for the players day in and day out," Tuilaepa said.

Last week the Lakapi Samoa C.E.O. Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai signed an agreement with Bank South Pacific (B.S.P.) Samoa General Manager, Tunumafono Jennifer Ula- Fruean with the bank becoming the naming rights sponsor for the upcoming Schools Rugby 15s and 7s National Championship for this year. 

A cheque of $10,000 was officially handed over to the C.E.O of the Lakapi Samoa as part of the sponsorship deal.

"If there's no money in the union's account, then there will be no rugby," Tuilaepa said.