New Samoa Rugby rep wants to build relationship with players

Samoa's new representative to Oceania Rugby says he wants an open dialogue with current and former players as the Union continues its ongoing reforms

Matafeo George Latu has been appointed to a four year term, replacing Lefau Harry Schuster, who remains Oceania's representative on the World Rugby Council until April.

Last year the former Manu Samoa lock Daniel Leo said the players had no confidence or trust in Schuster and that their 2014 strike threat had partly been an attempt to force his resignation from.

The SRU and players' collective signed an historic agreement six months ago, setting out their desire to work together moving forward in the interests of Samoan Rugby.

George Latu says he wants to look forward and continue building that relationship.

"My aim as I've said is, through our reforms, to make sure that what needs to be fixed at the Union is fixed and if that includes fixing relations with the players of course [we will do that], they're part of Samoan rugby and in fact we're already on the way.

"The Union has been talking to the Pacific Island Players Association so I'd be very happy to continue working with the Players Association as a means to fix any problems that we have, of course I'd be very happy to do that."

George Latu says the former Samoa and Tonga international says he will bring fresh blood, passion and experience in rugby administration to his work with Samoa and Oceania Rugby.

     

Author: 
Radio New Zealand International