Namulauulu Sami Leota is the new President of the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.). He will sit on the Board chaired by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.

The officers were elected earlier this month after a review of the S.R.U. Constitution. 

Other S.R.U. Board members include, Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i; Tuala Siaki Tuala, Tuiloma Sina Retzlaff, Fa’alogo Kapeli Fa’alogo, Fata Pito Malifa, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun and Fuimapoao Beth Onesome-Tuilaepa.

This was confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of S.R.U., Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i.

 “Part of the changes sees the reduction of Board members from 15 to eight. This followed the work of a consultant from Australia who was hired by World Rugby,” Faleomavaega said.

He added that World Rugby wanted a female representative on the Board and three professionals; one with legal background, one in marketing and another with financial background.

 Another addition is the Appeals Tribunal, which will be elected by voting members of the S.R.U.

Contacted for a comment, Namulauulu said he is humbled by the appointment.

Namulauulu is the General Manager of Federal Pacific Insurance Ltd, looking after Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Timor Leste.

He’s not new to Samoan rugby, having held numerous positions within S.R.U. 

He had also served as Manu Samoa Manager for many years.

Responding to questions from the Samoa Observer, the President said his newest role is the culmination of what has been a long fulfilling journey with rugby since 1995, when he was elected as Secretary of S.C.O.P.A. Rugby. 

“I would like to acknowledge all the Union members for their confidence and trust in me to serve as the S.R.U. President,” he said. 

“I do not take this lightly as I know that this position comes with responsibilities and expectations. I will do my best as I am acutely aware of the illustrious profiles of past S.R.U. Presidents. 

“I am looking forward to the challenges ahead as well as working together with all the S.R.U. stakeholders and partners in order to serve the best interest of the S.R.U.” 

Namulauulu also acknowledged the great work and tremendous contribution by his predecessors; “in particular the immediate past S.R.U. president, Su’a Peter Schuster and other recently retired S.R.U. Board members for their tremendous contribution to Rugby.” 

RUGBY ADMINISTRATION BACKGROUND 

Namulauulu has held the position of S.R.U’s Team Manager in national aged-group teams (U19, U20 and the U.21) since 2004. 

He was the longest serving Team Manager in the Samoa National teams as well as the IRB Age Group World Tournaments.

He was also involved in other senior teams, as team manager for the inaugural Pacific Rugby Cup’s championship Savai’i Samoa team in 2006, as well as the overall Trophy Winner for the IRB U.20 Rugby World Trophy held in Tbilisi Georgia in 2011. 

Namulaulu took over as Team Manager for Manu Samoa 15s from 2012 – 2015 and achieved a milestone at this time when Samoa was ranked 7th for the first time at the end of its Northern Hemisphere tour in 2012.