No immediate changes to Samoa's international schedule amid ongoing dispute - World Rugby

Samoa's international rugby commitments will proceed as planned, with World Rugby confirming no immediate changes to the schedule amid a dispute over the governance of rugby in the nation. Both the Manusina, Samoa's women's national team, and the Manu Samoa, the men's team, will continue their international matches without interruption for the time being.

A spokesperson for World Rugby stated that the organization is focused on reaching a positive resolution for all parties involved in the ongoing discussions. "You'll appreciate that we are not going to comment on the specifics of live discussions, but we all remain firmly focused on reaching a positive outcome for all parties," the spokesman said. The current statement from World Rugby stands while negotiations continue.

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You'll appreciate that we are not going to comment on the specifics of live discussions, but we all remain firmly focused on reaching a positive outcome for all parties.

This situation has no impact on Lakapi Samoa's high-performance programs, with Manusina preparing for the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong from September 13-26. They are scheduled to compete against Brazil, Fiji, Hong Kong China, the Netherlands, and Spain. Manu Samoa is also set to continue in the second round of the World Rugby Nations Cup in November, facing opponents including the United States, Chile, Canada, and Uruguay.

The core of the dispute lies in the Samoan government's decision on July 30 to withdraw recognition and financial support for Lakapi Samoa, the Samoa Rugby Union. The government cited months of consultations and attempts to resolve internal issues within the union. In response, the government has established a rival union, the Samoa Rugby Football Union. Lakapi Samoa chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun warned that Samoa could face sanctions from World Rugby if the government does not accept a proposed review of Lakapi Samoa. Such sanctions would mean the end of Manu Samoa and any associated funding, representing a significant loss for the sport in Samoa.

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If we get to that point, then there will be no point [in] rugby in Samoa because once we get sanctioned, then there will be no more Manu Samoa, no funding, and that [would be] a great loss to us.