Samoa's rugby union was thrown into disarray after the government pulled support for the sport's governing body.
Samoa's rugby union was thrown into disarray on Thursday after the government pulled support for the sport's governing body, Lakapi Samoa, citing "internal issues and division".
Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Schmidt said after "months of consultations" his government had "decided to withdraw its recognition and support of the national rugby union, Lakapi Samoa".
"The decision involves withdrawal of all government financial support and assistance previously provided to Lakapi Samoa," added La'aulialemalietoa, who has previously hit out at how the sport was being managed.
He said the union had been given ample time "to resolve the internal issues and division impacting on the administration of the union, the issues raised by former players and coaches and the deteriorating status of Samoan rugby on the world stage".
