Rugby: Manu Samoa players reject claims that conflict is resolved

Daniel Leo of Samoa. Photo / Getty Images.

Manu Samoa players are shocked by comments from Samoan Prime Minister and Samoan Rugby Union chairman Tuilaepa Sailele dismissing claims of a conflict between players and SRU management.

Manu Samoa players almost boycotted last Saturday's test match against England at Twickenham due to issues around a lack of trust in the SRU. Their frustrations continue to grow as they wait to have their concerns heard by the national body.

However, Sailele yesterday denied there are any problems between the two parties and contrary to Manu Samoa players, believes the situation is resolved.

"I was as shocked as anyone to see that he had come out and said that it was sorted because it is pretty clear that it is not," Manu Samoa lock Daniel Leo told Radiolive this morning.

"We haven't even had a chance to meet with them let alone sort anything out so it's stalling tactics.

"The Samoan Rugby Union are in a state of ignorance to the fact that there are some big issues that need ironing out and until we can meet with them and start being treated like adults and like professionals then nothing is going to get sorted out."

Leo, acting as the Manu Samoa team spokesman, spoke of his frustration that repeated requests for meetings with SRU officials have gone ignored.

"The frustrating thing is the Samoan Rugby Union had a representative at the IRB meetings in England while we were in France and he couldn't be bothered coming across to meet with us.

"The Prime Minister is in Auckland at the moment but apparently he is too busy to meet with them (International Rugby Players Association). This isn't being treated with much of a high priority in his book but it should be. We want it to be."

Leo and other players and their families had received threats for speaking out against the SRU but he was not willing to go into detail.

"It is worrying and it in my opinion it is not sport. You shouldn't be questioning transparency in a sporting organisation and be in a position where it could potentially affect your family."

Part of the players' concerns centre around the mismanagement of team funds and resources, while Leo also cited examples of players being subjected to physical abuse by management and not being covered by insurance when in camp.

"We've had instances of our kit being sold and us having to train in our own kits. There's been incidents of management beating up players on return flights home when they've gotten drunk, there's been instances where insurances haven't been paid so we are not insured for any injury coverage."

Leo denied the players are seeking more money and hopes the IRB will put a hold on any further funding to the SRU. The players would also prefer the public stop donating money to the SRU until there is transparency about where the cash is going.

"We need to sort out our own backyard before we can ask for any more money. The IRB needs to freeze all of their funding to the Samoan Rugby Union. The players are not confident that the money that the Samoan Rugby Union receive from the public is being channelled in the right ways, so we would ask that the Samoan public stop donating money to the Samoan Rugby Union as of immediately.

"We are not happy to be front men for them collecting millions and millions of dollars and us not knowing where that money is going."

Leo appealed for Sailele to make an effort to meet with the players and hinted that the crisis could deepen ahead of the historic first test between Manu Samoa and the All Blacks on July 8 next year.

"I'd like to see what his plan to beating the All Blacks are if he hasn't got any players. It's clear cut, we need positive dialogue with him or the Samoan Rugby Union board to be able to move forward."