Sports Minister Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell, on Tuesday, said union's request for SAT$1.5 million was only made in April, at the end of the 2023-2024 Financial Year. Photo: World Rugby
Samoa's sports ministry has rejected claims made by Lakapi Samoa chairman and former prime minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, that the government had failed to provide funds for the national men's 15s team's Europe tour in November.
Last week, Tui'laepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi criticised the current government for not supporting the Manu Samoa for a major event on its rugby calendar.
His claims have sparked widespread concerns, locally and abroad, with many questioning the government's commitment to one of the country's number one sports team.
However, the Ministry of Sports has rejected Tuila'epa's comments, saying that official request for funding the tour was not submitted on time.
Sports Minister Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell, on Tuesday, said union's request for SAT$1.5 million was only made in April, at the end of the 2023-2024 Financial Year, when the Budget had already been allocated to other priorities.
"We have always supported our athletes, but the timing of Lakapi Samoa's request made it impossible to provide additional funds," Purcell said.
"By that time, we had already earmarked the remaining Budget for the Pacific Games and preparations for the Olympic Games in France."
In an interview with TV1 Samoa, Tuila'epa said Lakapi Samoa will be fundraising for the 100-year celebrations with the intention to make the Europe tour.
The government previously allocated SAT$600,000 to support Samoa's participation in the Rugby World Cup, which took place in October, as well as the Pacific Games hosted by the Solomon Islands in November last year.
Purcell said with these commitments already in place, it was not feasible to approve additional requests so late in the fiscal year.
He said the government was committed to support Samoa's athletes and urged Lakapi Samoa to engage earlier and more coordinate things betters.
World Rugby declined to comment on the matter.
However, the governing body had earlier said the financial position Lakapi Samoa finds itself in is due to "a direct consequence of its own decisions".