Samoa’s government withdraws its support for Lakapi Samoa, intensifying an ongoing dispute involving rugby governance in the country. Reporting across outlets says the move follows months of government discussion about establishing a new Samoa National Rugby Union that could rival Lakapi Samoa. Radio New Zealand Pacific reports that the decision comes after a breakdown between Samoan Prime Minister and Lakapi Samoa, with the government citing unresolved internal issues and division within the national rugby union. Local media coverage referenced by Radio New Zealand Pacific adds that the situation could jeopardise Samoa’s standing in international rugby, with the country described as being on the brink of an international rugby ban. IOL similarly describes Samoa’s rugby administration as being thrown into “disarray,” pointing to the government’s plans for a separate governing body. Together, the reports indicate a sharp escalation in the dispute, centered on legitimacy, internal unity, and the future structure of Samoa’s national rugby administration.