Samoa’s national rugby teams will continue competing internationally under a governance arrangement reported by Talamua, despite Lakapi Samoa stepping back from the World Rugby Council.
The arrangement involves the Government of Samoa, Lakapi Samoa and the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, known as SASNOC.
Control of national high-performance programmes will move to SASNOC under joint oversight. An independent governance review will run alongside a separate World Rugby review of Lakapi Samoa’s compliance with membership requirements.
Lakapi Samoa remains a World Rugby member. Its Council participation and control of high-performance programmes are separate matters from the national teams’ ability to compete.
Talamua reports that Manu Samoa’s participation in the 2027 Rugby World Cup remains protected and domestic rugby is unaffected.
For supporters, that distinction matters. The changes concern administration and oversight, while players continue preparing to represent Samoa.
The review process now becomes the next development to follow, including what it recommends for the long-term management of Samoan rugby.
