financial woes

Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua was awarded the job in September following the resignation of Namulauulu Alama Ieremia.

RNZ Pacific understands Fuimaono was ranked last of the seven shortlisted candidates interviewed by an independent panel.

But the SRU Board, of which Fuimoano was a member, opted to appoint him to a second stint in charge, despite the panel recommending another candidate.

The Samoa Rugby Union has been declared bankrupt ahead of their November internationals against Scotland and England, with the union unable to pay players wages or pay off their debts.

Palmerston North born and raised Leo, who played professionally in England for a decade, now runs an organisation called Pacific Rugby Player Welfare, who look after the interests of Pacifika players.