The Chief Executive Officer of Lakapi Samoa, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai, has confirmed an investigation into the allegations detailed in a "letter of complaint" from some Manu Samoa Sevens players, addressed to World Rugby.

The letter reportedly alleges "mistreatment" of players on the part of the team's management in Dubai.

“It is deeply concerning to learn of this and we are ensuring the we go through a proper process," Faleomavaega said in a statement issued on Sunday night. 

"Our people’s well-being and welfare is paramount during this time as we seek a resolution.”

The letter was forwarded to Lakapi Samoa by the Pacific Rugby Players Association (P.R.P.), according to Faleomavaega. 

Reports about the letter circulated on social media on Saturday evening. Among other things, the disgruntled players had blamed the management of the team for allegedly endangering their lives with COVID-19. 

They also accused them of allegedly mistreating them.

The Samoa Observer immediately contacted Lakapi Samoa for a comment.

On Sunday evening, Faleomavaega confirmed they were alerted to the letter on Saturday. He said they immediately reached out to P.R.P to discuss the matter for a recommended process and steps to address the player’s letter and also seek Lakapi Samoa’s details on the issues as documented.

"Both P.R.P. and L.S. agreed that P.R.P to independently seek further clarity from the player(s) concern to their grievances and report back its findings and recommendations to Lakapi Samoa," the statement from the Union said.

"Lakapi Samoa acknowledges the players complaint as a serious matter. 

"Consequently, the Lakapi Samoa Board has acted swiftly with a Board SubCommittee to investigate the matter and report back urgently."

Faleomavaega said the allegations contained in the letter are serious and they intend to get to the bottom of it.

“Lakapi Samoa together with our key stakeholders is liaising at all times with the team and management and are proud of their sacrifice to represent Samoa during these difficult times of the global pandemic.”

Attempts by this newspaper to get a comment from the Head Coach of the Manu Samoa 7's team, Muliagatele Brian Lima were unsuccessful. 

Texts sent to the Head coach through whatsapp were seen by Muliagatele, but he has not responded to queries from this newspaper. 

It was just last week that Lakapi Samoa had confirmed that the Manu Samoa's 7s team and management have fully recovered after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier last month and are now back in training. 

The Manu Samoa 7s campaign got off to a bad start after players and management officials tested positive to COVID-19 last month, forcing their withdrawal from the first tournament of the HSBC Series this year.

During the weekend, the Manu Samoa Sevens team fronted up for Samoa's National Day at the Dubai Expo 2020.