Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua is set to be dumped as Manu Samoa head coach after the Samoa Rugby Union decided to readvertise the position.
Fuimaono was appointed to a second stint in charge in September last year, following the resignation of Namulauulu Alama Ieremia.
Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua also coached Samoa at the 2011 World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Manu failed to win a game during their end of year tour and were also beaten by local rivals Fiji and Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup.
Fuimaono's only success came in home and away victories against Germany that ended a nine-test losing streak and secured qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
His reappointment last year was made against the wishes of World Rugby, who then refused to pay his salary as they had done for other coaches in the past.
But Chairman of SRU, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, said at the time the Union would not be dictated to by outside influences.
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2014
In a statement, the Samoa Rugby Union said the Board considered and was mindful of its obligations under its High Performance Investment Agreement with World Rugby.
"This will best serve the needs of the programme, including the upcoming northern tour, with important Rugby World Cup 2019 preparations matches against USA, Georgia and Spain.
"The Board has made its decision for this to happen with unwavering determination to see a quality Manu Samoa showing at the premier rugby event held every four years."
The SRU said Fuimaono Titimea Tafua is welcome to apply for the position again.
Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua. Photo: PHOTOSPORT