The former Samoa rugby international Daniel Leo says without a better revenue sharing deal with top nations Samoa rugby will die.
Daniel Leo (L) and Census Johnston playing for Manu Samoa at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Samoa Rugby Union has been declared bankrupt ahead of their November internationals against Scotland and England, with the union unable to pay players wages or pay off their debts.
Palmerston North born and raised Leo, who played professionally in England for a decade, now runs an organisation called Pacific Rugby Player Welfare, who look after the interests of Pacifika players.
The former lock says the tier two nations need to be given part of the gate takings when playing tests in country's like England and New Zealand, where revenues from matches can reach up to 20 million dollars.
"As rugby has become more business orientated we've seen a slip off there from Pacific island sides, and as professionalism has moved on we've gotten further and further behind."