Samoa's Rugby Struggles: Financial Woes Amidst World Cup Dreams
Samoa's rugby team faces financial struggles despite World Cup support. Learn more about their challenges and World Rugby's efforts to help.
“Everything that when the teams arrive here, from obviously flying over here, that's covered by the tournament...”
Rugby officials claim they're providing adequate support to Samoa's women's team, despite financial struggles. The team, comprising amateur players with day jobs like a police officer, primary school teacher, and property manager, recently raised funds to cover domestic bills during the tournament. Lakapi Samoa chief executive Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai acknowledges the union's financial difficulties, stating they've done well to achieve their current standing despite being under-resourced.
Financial Challenges
Lakapi Samoa faces significant financial constraints, exacerbated by delayed grants and unexpected expenses, such as paying for team apparel.
Coach Ramsey Tomokino has even used his own funds to support the team, highlighting the financial strain on both the union and players.
The Samoa Rugby Union's financial woes have led to discussions about player contracts and compensation, which the union is working to address.
Support and Solidarity
- Despite financial struggles, the Manusina team has garnered support and admiration for their determination and resilience.
- Captain Masuisuimatama'ali'i Tauasa-Pauaraisa emphasizes the importance of community support to help the team succeed in the World Cup.
- The team's journey serves as a testament to their strength and commitment to representing Samoa with pride.
Rugby's Financial Divide: England's Professionalism vs Samoa's Amateur Status
The financial disparity between England's women's rugby team and emerging nations like Samoa is stark. England, a fully professional outfit, boasts players with contracts ranging from £39,000 to £48,000. In contrast, Samoa's amateur team comprises players with day jobs, including a police officer, primary school teacher and property manager.
England's Dominance on the Pitch
The Red Roses demonstrated their prowess on the field, thrashing Samoa 92-3 in a World Cup pool match. This scoreline highlights the significant gap between the two teams, both in terms of financial resources and athletic performance.
World Rugby's Support for Emerging Nations
Despite the financial disparities, World Rugby is committed to supporting emerging nations like Samoa. They provide access to specialist coaches and bring in experts like former Test referee Alain Rolland to help reduce penalty counts. Additionally, event organizers cover flights and accommodation costs for all teams during the Women's World Cup. World Rugby is also working with countries like Canada to increase investment and unlock government funding to ensure financial sustainability.
Challenges Facing Emerging Nations
Samoa's struggles with financial sustainability are evident. Their men's team previously pulled out of a European tour due to financial concerns, fearing bankruptcy. World Rugby's support, while valuable, may not be enough to bridge the financial gap between emerging nations and professional teams.
World Cup managing director Sarah Massey confirmed that event organizers are covering the costs of flights and accommodation for all teams participating in the Women's World Cup. “Everything that when the teams arrive here, from obviously flying over here, that's covered by the tournament,” she said at a Twickenham press conference. Massey emphasized that everything teams need once they arrive in the country is also taken care of by the tournament.
Support for Emerging Nations
World Rugby is providing additional support to emerging nations like Samoa, including access to specialist coaches and former Test referee Alain Rolland to help reduce penalty counts. This support aims to create a more level playing field and allow teams to focus on their performance rather than financial stress.
Financial Disparities
Despite this support, financial disparities between teams are evident. Samoa's amateur team consists of players with day jobs, such as police officers and teachers, whereas teams like England have professional players with contracts worth £39,000 to £48,000. World Rugby is working to increase investment and unlock government funding to ensure financial sustainability for emerging nations.
Financial Challenges in Samoan Rugby
The financial struggles of Samoan rugby were exposed last year when the men's team withdrew from a planned European tour due to fears of exacerbating the governing body's financial woes. “Everything once they're in-country is covered by the tournament,” but the challenges persist. Despite this support, Samoa's rugby union faces significant financial constraints, which have impacted the team's ability to compete at the highest level.
Financial Strains on Samoan Rugby
- The Samoa Rugby Union's financial difficulties have led to concerns about the team's participation in international competitions.
- The union's limited resources have resulted in players having to fundraise to cover domestic bills during the Women's World Cup.
- The financial struggles have also impacted the team's ability to access specialist coaches and other resources that could help improve their performance.
Support from World Rugby
World Rugby is providing support to emerging nations like Samoa, including access to specialist coaches and expertise to help reduce penalty counts. This support aims to bridge the gap between emerging nations and more established teams, promoting competitiveness and growth in the sport.
World Rugby head of women's rugby Sally Horrox, speaking alongside Massey, said: “Through the way we support teams, we will fund them to get here and to compete in the competition.
“We want our athletes, particularly in a World Cup environment, to be as well supported as we possibly can...So in that sense, we know that we are looking after Samoa and all of our teams appropriately.”
Horrox added: “We understand that they (Samoa) take very seriously their responsibilities to their families back home, and they are certainly seeking to raise funds for their families back home.”
Financial Challenges in Women's Rugby
Canada, ranked second in the women's rugby world rankings, faced a significant financial hurdle in competing at the World Cup, having to crowd-fund the last $1 million of the $3.2 million needed. Despite this challenge, the Canadian team has shown remarkable determination and resilience. According to Rugby Canada's fundraising campaign, Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025, the team operates on a fraction of the budget of its top competitors.
🫶 It might have only been three points, but this moment meant everything to Samoa, as they scored their first points in the #RWC2025.
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) August 30, 2025
The Pacific Islanders are fully amateur, some giving up jobs to travel to the tournament 🇼🇸 pic.twitter.com/dlADl2jBpt
World Rugby's Support for Financial Sustainability
World Rugby is working with countries like Canada to increase investment and unlock government funding. “Which absolutely is the focus for us in terms of financial sustainability and our work over the next four years,” said Horrox. This initiative aims to ensure that emerging nations can compete at the highest level without being hindered by financial constraints.
Canada's Fundraising Efforts
Rugby Canada's Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025 fundraising campaign has made significant progress, with over 88% of the $1 million goal pledged through generous individual donations and crowdfunding. The campaign has also received support from the Canadian Rugby Foundation's Monty Heald Fund, which donated $150,000 to the cause. The team is now focused on securing the remaining funds to ensure they can compete at their best in the World Cup.
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