Samoan government withdraws support from rugby union as international ban looms
Samoa's government has withdrawn support for its national rugby union, prompting World Rugby to intervene and raising the prospect of an international ban.
The Samoan government announced it was withdrawing support and recognition of Lakapi Samoa, the national rugby union, citing unresolved internal issues and division. The move sparked concerns about a potential international rugby ban for the country. World Rugby subsequently became involved in the dispute, though it later denied reports that it had issued an ultimatum. The country's national rugby captain and coach have urged the government to resolve the crisis.
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RNZ
Rugby: Samoan government withdraws support for Lakapi Samoa
The rift between the Samoan prime minister and Lakapi Samoa took a turn for the worse on Wednesday, after the Samoan government announced it was withdrawing its support of the national rugby union.
RNZ
Samoa on the brink of international rugby ban, local media reports
It comes after the Samoan government announced on Wednesday it was withdrawing support of Lakapi Samoa due to "unresolved internal issues and division" at the national rugby union.
Otago Daily Times
Samoa on brink of international rugby ban: reports
RNZ
Samoa face World Rugby ban over prime minister's 'political madness', opposition warns
World Rugby has given the Samoan government until Friday to accept a review of its decision to withdraw recognition and financial support of the rugby union.
RNZ
World Rugby denies Samoa ultimatum, as country's political blame game rolls on
World Rugby denies reports that it gave Samoa an ultimatum to sort out its problems or be banned for the sport's world body.
RNZ
World Rugby says no ultimatum given to Samoa over governance fiasco
World Rugby denies reports that it gave Samoa an ultimatum to sort out its problems or be banned for the sport's world body.
RNZ
Samoa captain and coach urge resolution for their country's 'best interests'
Samoa's national rugby captain and coach have written to the prime minister regarding the current crisis affecting Lakapi Samoa.