Samoa Rugby

Poor ground conditions a concern for former Manu Samoa lock Daniel Leo

Leo, who is the Player Welfare Manager for Pacific players based in Europe, raised his concern on social media directly to World Rugby about the poor ground set up at Apia Park in Samoa.

Leo made the comment following the PNC clash between Manu Samoa and Tonga.

 Heavy rain had affected the ground conditions and players were covered with mud during the game.
In his tweet today, Leo stated “Would England Rugby, All Blacks, Springboks or any Tier 1 team agree to playing on this? Then why is it acceptable for us poor nations?”

Samoa strike as ill-discipline proves costly for Tonga

Tonga, already hampered by the late withdrawal of the inspirational Nasi Manu, had two players in the sin-bin when Afasetiti Amosa and then Belgium Tuatagaloa swung the game Samoa's way with tries in the closing minutes.

Torrential rain before kick-off reduced Apia Park to a quagmire which impacted on the game as a spectacle despite a willingness by both sides to throw the ball around.

Manu Samoa ready for Tonga, Fiji look to defend Pacific Cup

Steve Jackson said he's been impressed by the players efforts in training, despite concerns about match fitness.

He said Saturday's home match in Apia was more than just an opener for the Manu, and they were rearing to showcase what they've got.

"Not only do we need to put in a performance on the field that we are going to be happy with, but it is so important that this is our one and only home test in Apia," Jackon said.

"You know, we could go out there and put on a display for our community ... and it will build some confidence in us moving through the PNC."

Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Heartland XV to play at Eden Park as World Cup warm up

An announcement was made at the venue of the games on Wednesday morning, which will be warm up fixtures for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (Ateed), which is an arm of Auckland Council, is involved with putting on the games and there is hope that fans will come out in a similar way to how they've done for the Tongan rugby league team in recent years.

Samoa legend Dan Leo argues against World Rugby proposals

Leo made his debut for Samoa in 2005, eventually lining out 39 times for the islanders. He also represented the combined Pacific Island team on three occasions.

The second row has witnessed the constant struggles the Pacific island nations face in the world game - from under funding to controversial contractual stipulations - and the recent World Rugby plans for a global competition have not filled him with confidence the powers that be have the islanders best intentions at heart.

Beaumont welcomes Fiji and Samoa at their first World Rugby Council meeting

With a new governance model paving the way for wider representation on World Rugby’s Council, Fiji and Samoa were warmly welcomed by council, which now comprises 51 members.

Having successfully achieved the required good governance criteria in line with governance reform launched in November 2015, the unions follow Georgia, Romania and USA onto the expanded council and will act as an inspiration for other unions aspiring to take a seat on council.

Fitness behind Samoa 7s' rise - Tietjens

After a dismal couple of seasons, Samoa is now a regular contender in tournament quarterfinals, having placed 4th last weekend in Hong Kong, following the high of second place in Las Vegas.

Sixth in the standings prior to this weekend's Singapore Sevens, Sir Gordon said his players had come to understand the level of fitness that's required of them.

"What it's been I think is the consistency around our conditioning. We've worked particularly hard," he said.

Samoa, Tonga could be next as Fiji clinch NRC minor premiership

Rugby Australia high-performance boss Ben Whitaker confirmed they were in early talks with World Rugby about adding another Pacific Islands nation to the third tier competition after the Drua's success.

The Senirusi Seruvakula-coached side will host Canberra Vikings in Fiji in the first semi-final on Saturday after topping the regular season with a 33-28 win over the Western Force at the weekend.

Samoa A overpowers Tonga, 23-15 in Americas Pacific Cup

The side defeated Tonga A, 23-15, yesterday.

Winger Vaili scored a double to help the Muliagatele Brian Lima-coached team maintain their unbeaten record at the tournament, following a famous win over Argentina a few days ago.

Samoa awarded seat on World Rugby Council

Samoa Rugby Union chief executive Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea'i said the decision came after the union passed the review of its constitution, which had been used in their annual meeting last month when new board members were elected.

Financial reports by the union also met World Rugby criteria, which was another important part of the decision for Samoa to take a seat around the council table, Faleomavaega said .

Union chair and Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi will occupy Samoa's seat at the next World Rugby Board meeting in May next year.