Lakapi Samoa has been in the limelight.
The cancellation of the November tour, admission of financial struggles and recently the sacking of the sevens management
Samoa Observer(SO) spoke with Lakapi Samoa chief executive officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai(FVF) on the direction needed to ensure the financial stability of the union and how that would lead to better development.
SO: Lakapi Samoa continues to have financial issues. Can you shed some insight into why the Union continues to struggle financially?
FVF: To fully grasp the on-going financial challenges Lakapi Samoa faces, it is crucial to understand the comprehensive requirements of operating an international sports organisation. The demands are immense, encompassing player development (men and women, local and the diaspora), international travel, visa issues, accommodation logistics, high-performance requirements, player allowances, insurance for international competition, and the overall infrastructure needed to sustain a competitive rugby program both domestically and on the global stage.The harsh reality is that there is a significant gap in the resources available to Lakapi Samoa compared to larger, wealthier rugby nations. These countries benefit from access to extensive commercial and government partnerships, lucrative broadcasting deals, and robust domestic markets that generate substantial revenue. Lakapi Samoa is required to meet the same competitive international standards, requirements, and expectations as larger unions, public expectation, without access to the same level of financial support.
For a simple comparison, let’s look at the two countries we played recently: •Italy, has a population of circa 58 million people and GDP of $2.328 trillion•Spain, has a population of circa 48 million and GDP of $1.65 Trillion.
Our domestic market and economy are so much smaller, and less diversified, and as such, Samoa as a country has a much smaller pool of funding available for all sports and not just Lakapi Samoa.The annual budget allocated in the recent Government budget for all sports was only $ST2.5m. We’ve highlighted several inter-connected factors that contribute to the financial challenges faced by Lakapi Samoa. While we have committed to finding innovative solutions and building stronger commercial and government partnerships, the unfortunate operational reality remains for Samoa and other Pacific countries, that without a substantial increase in resources, the gap will continue to widen against bigger and better-resourced Unions. Subsequently, Lakapi Samoa will continue to face significant financial hurdles in our efforts to operate and compete at the highest levels of international rugby.
SO: What was the reasoning behind Lakapi Samoa cancelling the Northern Hemisphere Tour in November?
FVF: The decision to withdraw from the Europe tour was not made lightly. It was the result of ongoing discussions between Lakapi Samoa and World Rugby, aimed at ensuring organisational sustainability as we prepare for the next Rugby World Cup in 2027. We wanted to understand the status of other unions operating in the current global economic environment, especially on the back of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and the ongoing global impacts of the Covid pandemic. We analysed the following High Performance (Tier One) Nations to see how they were tracking in this current space, and were surprised to see the following;•Rugby Australia ($9.2m loss)• NZ Rugby ($8.9m loss)• England RFU (£6.3m loss)• Wales (£15m deficit and £24m debt)As per your first question, the difference is that all of these countries still have significant revenue-generating opportunities, a strong economic base, strategic relationships with the relevant Government, global brand exposure and connections, and economies of scale that provide a foundation for securing additional support to make up these losses. It was determined, that while the Northern Hemisphere tour was important, the priority for 2024 would be to consolidate our efforts on achieving financial sustainability of Lakapi Samoa, strengthen our commercial capabilities, and focus on a successful Pacific Nations Cup. The cancellation of the tour would ensure that we enter the next Rugby World Cup cycle on the front foot.
SO: How is Lakapi Samoa addressing the challenges?
FVF: It’s important to note that Lakapi Samoa, has been proactive in addressing these challenges through strategic measures. Since December 2023, Lakapi Samoa has been working through various changes by focusing on transforming the organisation into a valued international organisation serving Samoa through rugby, to build the necessary capabilities required to ensure financial sustainability and positioning itself as a centre of high-performance and quality in its rugby operations.This first stage of work focuses on building the capability to empower and enable Lakapi Samoa to navigate with confidence, the evolving challenges they face ‘every day’, to position the organisation to seize emerging opportunities, while consistently delivering expected standards in all facets of its operations, from player development and coaching to the teams success. From event (and match) management, community engagement, and a future-proofed back-office functions. Strengthening capabilities will enable Lakapi Samoa to fulfill its vision to inspire performance and leadership through rugby, and to achieve its mission to create rugby opportunities that will ignite passion and prosperity for all Samoans while inspiring the next generation of Manu Samoa champions. These changes will provide the tools required to navigate the complexities and competitive environment of professional rugby, both on and off the field, and the ever-changing funding landscape. Importantly, these changes take time. The essence of what we are trying to achieve within Lakapi Samoa and across all of our teams is constantly asking the question “how do we better serve Samoa through rugby”.
SO: How is the relationship between Lakapi Samoa and the Government?
FVF: The Samoan Government is a key stakeholder and strategic partner. The relationship between Lakapi Samoa and the Government is collaborative and at times challenging. Our partnership is built on mutual respect, robust dialogue and a shared vision for the development of rugby in Samoa, and our contribution to the social and economic development of our country. Lakapi Samoa has conducted numerous meetings, consultations and presentations with the Samoa Government, relevant Government Ministers, and officials. These engagements have been instrumental in understanding the government’s perspectives, challenges, and expectations, and have formed the basis for our whole-of-government proposition aimed at Lakapi Samoa delivering greater return on investment for Samoa, by leveraging and activating the Manu Samoa brand to attract foreign investment, drive trade and boost tourism into Samoa.Importantly, Lakapi Samoa recognises the critical role that the Samoa government plays in supporting national sports and we fully need their support to work closely with us to realise our collective goals into the future.
SO: What’s your view on the comments on social media and former players claiming that politicians should not be involved in Lakapi Samoa?
FVF: We recognise the concerns expressed on social media, and by former players regarding political involvement in sports organisations. However, it’s important to understand that in small island nations like Samoa, government involvement is often necessary to secure the funding, infrastructure, and policy support required to sustain national sports programs. Our priority is ensuring that any involvement is transparent, accountable, and in the best interests of rugby and the community. We value the input of our stakeholders and are committed to maintaining an open dialogue to address these concerns. Social media is not the forum for this.
SO: What is Lakapi Samoa’s strategy to secure sponsorship and why is it difficult to secure sponsorship?
FVF: Securing major corporate sponsorship is not just a financial necessity for Lakapi Samoa—it is a strategic imperative that underpins the long-term sustainability, growth, and competitiveness of Samoan rugby on the global stage. It’s a major undertaking. In an increasingly competitive international sports environment, Lakapi Samoa is starting to make traction in attracting corporate sponsorships and initiating strategic discussions. While our efforts are focused on our brand positioning as a strong challenger on the global rugby stage, we are also making sure that potential sponsors understand what it means to partner with Samoa and share our vision of high-performance excellence, cultural pride, and community impact.Unfortunately, many of our targeted corporate sponsors have shown understandable hesitation in committing to long-term partnerships with Lakapi Samoa, primarily due to the limited investment from the government in supporting Lakapi Samoa, and the back of the negative media coverage about the current financial situation. Despite the significant exposure and international visibility that Samoa gains through rugby, particularly with Manu Samoa 15s participation on the global stage, the lack of robust government backing raises concerns amongst potential sponsors.
SO: What’s your comment on World Rugby’s stating that Lakapi Samoa’s financial distress is a direct consequence of decisions taken by the Union?
FVF: We acknowledge that past decisions have contributed to our current financial situation. However, these decisions were made in a complex environment with the intent of achieving success under challenging financial circumstances. The Manu Samoa 7s and 15s, are our only two elite teams that attract sponsor’s appetite. Despite the lack of projected income to materialise for the Manu Samoa XV in 2023, the Union prudently managed to fund all our Elite XVs and 7s teams and all other teams such as Manuma, Jnr Manu Samoa, Manusina XVs and 7s to attend and compete at all WR and Oceania sanctioned events from the limited income, secured mostly from our local sponsorship such as SIFA. These management decisions are dictated at most times within budget, the reality differs when projected income does not materialise.Moving forward, Lakapi Samoa is committed to continuing to prioritise prudent measures for financial stability, transparency, and sustainable growth. We very much value our relationship with World Rugby and are working closely with them to address these issues and ensure that our decisions support the long-term success of Lakapi Samoa, and rugby in Samoa.
SO: Do you have any other comments?
FVF: Lakapi Samoa is no different from any other international sporting organisation, we are far from perfect, we have multi-complex challenges as I have alluded to above and we do at times make decisions that stir public criticism and debate views of the Union. As custodians of the Game, the Board, Management and Staff do take our roles and responsibilities seriously. No other sport comes close to stirring the mood of the nation with the obsessive passion that our people have for our rugby teams. Our Manu Samoa brand is the biggest face of Samoa on the international stage and wherever they participate, our people connect immediately, regardless of where they are in the world.This month, Lakapi Samoa celebrates 100 years of its journey. A journey worth celebrating in recognition and sacrifice of all those who have represented Samoa through our Manu Samoa XVs. Lakapi Samoa will also recognize the contribution of past Officials and Administrators that have served Samoa Rugby over the years.I’m reaching out to all our people wherever they are in Samoa and across the world, whatever opinions, affiliations you see yourself in either collectively, individually, politically or whatever, THIS IS OUR MANU SAMOA TEAM, the measure of our success on the field, is directly related to the success of our support off the field. Success can only really be achieved, if we are bold, if we are brave and if we strive for it together with Lakapi Samoa.
