Manu Samoa

Stephen Betham stepped down following the country's disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign, where the Manu finished fourth in their group and failed to qualify automatically for the 2019 tournament.

SRU Chief Executive Officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai says a number of high profile and interesting candidates have put their names forward, with the bulk of those coming from overseas.

Last weekend's defeat to Japan ended the Manu's hopes of making the quarter finals.

In a further blow, vice-captain Alesana Tuilagi was banned for five weeks for striking a Japanese defender with his knee.

New Zealand-based Masunu Talapusi has been appointed to the role.

He was hired on a temporary basis to help organize the preparations for the historic All Blacks vs Manu Samoa test in July.

The CEO of the Samoa Rugby Union, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea'i, says the new manager will responsible for all administration works for the team while head coach Damian McGrath and assistant coach Brian Lima will concentrate on the players.

The 37 year old captained Manu Samoa at the 2011 tournament but was never selected again after criticising the Samoa Rugby Union and team management for their conduct during the event.

Problems came to a head at the end of last year when players threatened to boycott a test against England unless their concerns were addressed.

The SRU has since undergone significant change: appointing a new CEO, signing an historic agreement with the players and committing to governance, management and financial reform.

The global cosmetic giant brought the two together when Manu Samoa set up its training camp in Brighton in preparation for the Rugby World Cup.

The Body Shop International ingredients buyer Christina Archer said since 2008 the company had been a proud trading partner with Samoa’s Women in Business Development, which supplies organic virgin coconut oil from its smallholder farmers.

The Manu round out their tournament preparations against English Premiership club Wasps in Coventry Sunday morning.

10 changes have been made to the run-on team that lost to the Barbarians, in an effort to give all players some game-time and a chance to press for selection.

Stephen Betham says the players know they can't rest on their laurels.

The 32 year old has played 18 tests, including all four pool matches at the 2011 World Cup, but played for Samoa since 2013.

Head coach Stephen Betham says when they selected the team to play the All Blacks and Pacific Nations Cup on form, Williams had just come back from injury.

The Stade Francais custodian will start for the Barbarians against his countrymen this weekend and says he's still extremely passionate about the game back in the islands.

Earlier this year former Manu Samoa lock Daniel Leo said Pacific Island players face losing up to 40 percent of their salary from club teams by opting to play in the World Cup.

Leo and fellow Samoa veteran Census Johnston announced their retirements from test matches earlier this year.

Unlike tier one nations, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga don't have the funds to compensate clubs, often forcing players to choose between money and country.

The Baabaas team includes four World Cup winners - former All Blacks Ali Williams and Adam Thompson and South Africa's Bakkies Botha and Wynand Olivier, and a total of 545 international caps.

Paul Williams played 18 tests for Samoa between 2010 and 2013 and was a part of their 2011 Rugby World Cup squad.

The 32 year old has previous links to Barbarians rugby with his father Bryan having played in a losing All Blacks team against the Baabaas in 1974.

The agreement is a first between a Tier 2 union and it's elite players, with both parties committing to increased communication, transparency and consultation on issues that affect players.

There will also be certainty for players regarding assembly fees for camps and games.

SRU Chief Executive Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai says it shows that the union and players both want Samoa Rugby to be the best it can be and for the players to feel strongly committed to contributing to that.