A year after playing the 2023 World Cup in France, Samoa will not play any test matches this fall, due to lack of money. “A missed opportunity” for this small nation to showcase itself, regrets Samoan pillar Paul Alo-Emile to AFP.
Last October, the Samoansquarter-finalist in 1991 and 1995, shook the English in the group match of Worldnarrowly failing against the future semi-finalists (18-17). But last July, the Samoan federation preferred to cancel its three November tests in the Northern Hemisphere, explaining to World Rugby be on the verge of bankruptcy.
“It’s a missed opportunity for us to play against some of the best teams in the world”deplores the Samoan right pillar of Paul Alo-Emile French Stadium (32 years old, 25 caps).
“These November tests are a moment of visibility for many players, particularly those who have not yet made their mark in professional rugby”regret Alo-Emilecurrently recovering in Top 14 after a shoulder injury.
“I think there is a lot of talent to be discovered in Samoa”adds the pillar, about a nation of barely 200,000 inhabitants, but which has seen the birth of renowned players, from the formidable three-quarter center Brian Lima to many family members Locationdont Manu which represents theEngland.
After a World Cup deemed disappointing, the Samoan federation chose to part ways with the coach at the start of 2024 Seila Mapusuaformer three-quarter center who passed through the Highlanders arrived at the head of the selection in 2020.
Sleepy had relied in particular on former All Blacksavailable for Samoa after a change in eligibility rules, such as Steven Old, Five Links or Charlie Builder.
Coach arrested and suspended
“He had a vision of where our rugby was going. When they let him go, I felt like Samoan rugby was stuck again.”explain Alo-Emilefor whom Samoan rugby “Always take one step forward and then two steps back”.
“It was frustrating for me because I felt like Seilala was taking the team in the right direction, both rugby-wise and culturally.”he believes. “Like many players, I was not born in Samoa”details the player native of New Zealand. “I didn’t grow up there either, but it helped us identify with Samoan culture.”
Seila Mapusurecruited Wednesday by the franchise of Super rugby of the Pacific Oceanwas replaced in March by another former Samoan player, hooker Mahnori Schwalger.
And Schwalger enjoyed several sporting successes this summer, with victories against theItalyTHE UNITED STATES then the Tongahe is now suspended, charged with various charges including sexual assault on a minor. “I don’t know all the details of this story, it was a shock” declared Alo-Emile.
In full doubt, the Samoan Federation must hold elections in November, without convincing Alo-Emile that the situation will improve. “It’s the same story that’s been going on since I started playing, it’s a problem that’s been going on for a long time” he judges, deploring that Samoan rubgy is “always starting from scratch”.
The solid pillar is not certain of wearing the Samoan jersey again next July, during the next matches that the national team could play, this time at home.
“I love playing for the Samoa jersey, I love representing my family”he delivers. “But is it worth not seeing my children for a few months, not seeing my family? For the moment, the answer is no.”
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