Faleata, Safata and Lepa/Saleapaga and Palauli Rugby Unions will not be part of the upcoming National Provincial Championships, which kick off this weekend, after they failed to hold their domestic competition according to Lakapi Samoa guidelines.

Faleata Rugby Union has not taken the news well and said they were disappointed with Lakapi Samoa.

Lakapi Samoa chief executive Seamanu Douglas Ngau Chun said as per the Provincial Union Requirements endorsed by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in early 2024, any union seeking recognition for NPC eligibility must meet a minimum requirement of five senior A Men's clubs and five Under 19 Men's clubs actively participating in their domestic competitions. 

He said this standard was communicated clearly to all affiliated unions at the beginning of the rugby calendar.

"On 10 April 2025, we met with the President of Faleata Rugby Union, Aiono Tony Aiono and his Tournament Coordinator, Quentin Tusa who assured us their competition would resume on the weekends of 12, 19, and 26 April. However, our Competition Unit’s regular Saturday monitoring confirmed that no competitions took place on 12 and 19 April, and although a competition was held on 26 April, only four Senior A teams participated — falling short of the required minimum," he said.

"It is also important to note that Faleata is not the only union not considered for NPC 2025. Safata Rugby Union and Lepa/Saleapaga Union and Palauli Rugby Union likewise did not meet the eligibility requirements due to the absence of consistent, active domestic competitions within their respective Unions.

"Lakapi Samoa remains committed to working with all Provincial Unions to strengthen their domestic structures and encourages these Unions to regroup and position themselves for future national competitions."

FRU president Leuluaialii Tony Aiono expressed disappointment even after having a successful club season. He said they were initially told that they were dropped because they had not organised a 15-a-side tournament.

"Our 15-a-side tournament commenced on 8 February 2025. From the six teams that were confirmed, only four turned up. Marist St Joseph, Laumua o Tumua, Malie and Falefa. Three were able to fill strong teams while Falefa forgot their uniform,m resulting in a default," he said.

"In the second week, four teams contested and had a game each. The results can prove this.

"Then we paused for four weeks and ran our 7s tournament to prepare our provisional team for an invitation to Fiji.  From 22 February to 15 March. We travelled to Fiji for the week from 17 March and returned on 24 March.

"We planned to resume our 15s on our return, however, Rugby League Samoa has booked Apia Park for two weeks. We were able to continue from where we left off with the four teams after Easter, but it was just in time for NPC."

There are currently six teams in the Faleata Rugby Union. They are Saleimoa Rugby Club, Malie Rugby Club, Lepea Rugby Club, Laumua o Tumua Rugby Club, Vaigaga Rugby Club, and Marist St Joseph's. With their removal from NPC, Leuluailii feels like they have been left out.

"We are disappointed and disgusted with this decision by Lakapi Samoa. We did run our 15s a side tournament. Our understanding is that NPC is for Provisional Union Competition, meaning one union equals one team. We met with Lakapi Samoa CEO in person to discuss this matter and he said that he will re-examine this and advise our president about the meeting," Leuluaialii said.

"However, from what we have seen on that draw is they have allowed two teams from one union. Why? There is no such union such as Vaimauga West Taula Original, or Vaimauga East Taula Strong, only Vaimauga or Apia Rugby Union! There is no more Apia and Apia West! Only Apia Rugby Union and Faleata Rugby Union."

"This reflects collusions and corruption in the system that Lakapi Samoa runs its tournament."