Samoa rugby union

Fepulea’I also said that Samoa Rugby Union fully supports the decision.

 “The high death toll in some of the host countries such as UK, France and Asia poses a huge risk we cannot afford to have our players exposed to, given our Country’s small population,” he said.

Since the declaration of the State of Emergency by the government, Samoa Rugby Union has followed all lockdown conditions and worked closely with sub-unions to ensure everyone keeps within the parameters of SOE orders.

Sir Gordon Tietjens resigned last month after three and a half years in charge. The Manu Sevens finished 13th, 10th and 6th in his three full seasons at the helm, and were languishing at 13th in the overall standings when the current campaign was suspended in March.

Stephen Betham led Samoa to the 2010 World Series title and believes it's time for a local coach to be given another crack at the top job.

Schaafhausen, who was known as “The Iron Lady,  passed at her home in New Zealand over the weekend.

She was 83 years old. 

The late Schaafhausen helped Samoa win its first Hong Kong Sevens title in 1993.

The Chairman of Moata'a Rugby and former Manu Samoa star and sevens player, Falepauga Filipo Saena, said Schaafhausen was the mother figure of the rugby community.

"That's exactly how she will be remembered," he said.

CEO Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai said the decision for Sir Gordon to step down as coach was made together.

"Gordon's contract runs out in August and there's nothing happening before that, and then the Board has decided that together collectively with Sir Gordon that Sir Gordon will step down at the end of his contract," Faleomavega said.

The CEO said the SRU had also come under pressures due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

“His appointment was confirmed by Samoa Rugby Union Board at its meeting of 12th May 2020,” a statement said.

He is the Chairman of both the Faasaleleaga Rugby Provincial Union and the Vikings Franchise from the Big Island of Savaii.

Nagu has extensive experience in rugby development, and over the past 15 years, has held various administrative roles in the management of teams and the administration of clubs and franchises.

The former Manu Samoa halfback has been in the role since February 2015 and beat out 15 other applicants from home and abroad for the top job.

His previous term expired at the end of last year however his contract was extended until the end of February.

Three candidates were shortlisted for interviews, with the panel voting unanimously to extend the contract of Faleomavaega, which was approved by the SRU Board at a meeting on Tuesday.

Fuimaono took the stand to give evidence in the two day civil hearing.

He has two claims related to alleged breaches of contract.

The former coach was hired in 2017 but was sacked last August in a decision of the board chaired by the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.

Fuimaono has told the court the decision was made after Samoa qualified for the 2019 World Cup by beating Germany two rounds of qualifying matches.

He said said the termination was very hurtful and had also affected his family.

The Pacific Islands neighbours were elected onto the Council, which now comprises 51 members, after successfully meeting new governance criteria, following reforms launched in 2015.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont hailed the the landmark meeting and praised "the enormous contribution" Pacific Islands countries have made to the global game.

"This is an historic day for World Rugby and the Pacific Islands, and a reflection of the importance and success of the transformational governance reforms made by this organisation and the unions," he said.

He’s 6’9 for Christ’s sake. Hard to go low on a short arse.

He made his debut for the Samoa national rugby union team in September 2008, playing against New Zealand in New Plymouth.

He has made 7 appearances for his country to date, spread over 8 calendar years.

His last appearance came in the June 2015 international victory against Canada, but Paulino was not selected to be a part of Samoa’s Rugby World Cup 2015 final squad.

The case was heard before the chief justice, Patu Falefatu Sapolu, yesterday but has been adjourned to the 10th of December for the respondent to file and serve a written response.

Fuimaono was appointed last year on a contract through until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

He led the Manu to five consecutive defeats before home and away wins against Germany secured their passage to Japan.