Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi’s term as Lakapi Samoa chairman has concluded. Lakapi Samoa president Namulauulu Sami Leota will serve as interim chairman.

Lakapi Samoa, in a statement, said it acknowledged the conclusion of the chairmanship tenure of Tuilaepa.

Tuilaepa first joined the Lakapi Samoa board in 1991 and went on to serve as chairman for 26 years, providing leadership during an important period in the development of rugby in Samoa.

Lakapi Samoa said Tuilaepa’s leadership spanned a significant period in the union’s history, during which Samoan rugby continued to strengthen its presence on the international stage while maintaining its deep roots within communities across the country.

“On behalf of the Board of Lakapi Samoa, we acknowledge and thank Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi for his many years of service to the governance of rugby in Samoa and his support for the growth of the game in our country. We remain committed to the work of strengthening rugby in Samoa while continuing to ensure the stability and good governance of the Union moving forward,” said Lakapi Samoa.

Lakapi Samoa said it extended its best wishes to Tuilaepa.