The former national coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua has taken the stand in the case against his sacking by the Samoa Rugby Union.
Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua was first appointed Manu Samoa coach in 2009. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Fuimaono took the stand to give evidence in the two day civil hearing.
He has two claims related to alleged breaches of contract.
The former coach was hired in 2017 but was sacked last August in a decision of the board chaired by the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.
Fuimaono has told the court the decision was made after Samoa qualified for the 2019 World Cup by beating Germany two rounds of qualifying matches.
He said said the termination was very hurtful and had also affected his family.
In opening the case, Fuimaono's New Zealand-based lawyer Simativa Perese, told the court the SRU referred to World Rugby's view on the grounds of termination which invited the inference that the union acted on a World Rugby's letter to terminate the plaintiff's contract.
The case continues.