New Samoa Rugby Football Union Unveiled, Promising a New Direction for Samoan Rugby

APIA, Samoa — A new rugby organisation, the Samoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU), has officially been launched, positioning itself as a new force aimed at rebuilding and developing rugby throughout Samoa.

Launched on Friday evening at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel in Apia, the SRFU is chaired by former Manu Samoa representative Matafeo George Latu and is supported by 16 district rugby sub-unions from across Upolu and Savai'i.

According to Talamua Newspaper, the SRFU was established in response to growing concerns over the state of Samoan rugby, with its founders citing declining performances, a lack of innovation, reduced confidence in the current administration, and what they describe as insufficient accountability.

Speaking at the launch, Matafeo said the new union aims to restore the strength of Samoan rugby by placing greater emphasis on grassroots development and empowering district rugby unions.

"For SRFU and its affiliated sub-unions, the time for change has arrived," Matafeo said.

He said district unions have been neglected for too long and believes local competitions and stronger community involvement are key to rebuilding the game.

The new organisation has outlined plans to invest in coaching, player development, high-performance programmes, sports medicine, nutrition, injury prevention and stronger pathways for young players entering the sport.

Matafeo also reflected on the success of previous generations of Manu Samoa teams, recalling a time when Samoa regularly competed against rugby powerhouses such as New Zealand, Australia, Wales and France, with many international Test matches hosted in Apia.

He expressed concern over the current position of Samoan rugby on the world stage, pointing to the performances of the national 15s, Sevens and Under-20 programmes as evidence that significant reform is needed.

A key message from the launch was the importance of strengthening relationships with district unions and restoring trust between the national body and grassroots rugby communities.

Matafeo also called for politics and rugby administration to remain separate, arguing that sporting organisations should be led by those focused on the development of the game.

The launch included the unveiling of the SRFU logo, which revives the traditional Samoa Rugby Union emblem featuring the Teuila flower, along with video messages from former Manu Samoa players and coaches celebrating the formation of the new organisation.

According to the Samoa Observer, the SRFU also intends to work alongside district development initiatives, with Matafeo stating that district development funding could help support local competitions and rugby development programmes. He also said the union hopes to receive operational support through the Ministry of Sports as it establishes its programmes.

The formation of the SRFU comes just days after the Samoa Government withdrew its recognition and financial support from Lakapi Samoa. World Rugby has since proposed an independent review into the situation, while discussions between stakeholders remain ongoing. Source: Talamua