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PM pushes for rugby funding talks following Tuilaepa exit
By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo
•
18 March 2026, 8:40PM
Prime Minister Laauliialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt says the government is moving to secure rugby funding following the conclusion of Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi's tenure as Lakapi Samoa's chairman.
Speaking at his press conference to local media, the Prime Minister said he has reached out to regional leaders and Australian officials to ensure Samoa does not miss out on the AU$150 million rugby funding.
The AU$150 million deal, known as the Veimoana Partnership, is an Australia-backed initiative to develop rugby in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga over five years. Fiji and Tonga have reportedly signed the deal.
“Today I sent a letter to the Australian High Commissioner to meet up with the Prime Ministers of Fiji, Tonga and Australia about this matter,” he said. “In regard to the process moving forward, we are prepared and agreed to send it through together because I don’t want us to miss out on the money.”
He said the government has already prepared correspondence to support the process.
“We’ve prepared to deliver a letter to send to the Australian High Commissioner.” The Prime Minister also revealed that the Samoa Rugby Union had only recently responded to earlier communication.
“Today we also received a letter from the rugby union since my first letter three months ago. They’ve only just answered today,” he said.
Laauliialemalietoa acknowledged concerns raised by smaller unions seeking assurances amid ongoing uncertainty. “I have already explained, not once, not twice. I’ve already had the smaller unions ask for assurances because of what’s happening.”
He welcomed Tuilaepa’s resignation, saying it opens the door for change. “I don’t want us to go back to that,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister questioned the current state of rugby in Samoa, pointing to a decline across teams.
“Where is the rugby now? Not like in the old days, what happened to the Manu Samoa, the Sevens, the 15s and women’s?” he questioned.
He said he had considered establishing a new governing body if reforms were not made.
“I was preparing to create a new union if the old union did not change," he said. He added that it was the only way to "start fresh" and gain full support from the wider community.
However, he indicated discussions are continuing with the existing administration.
