Rugby Football League announces the withdrawal of Samoa from Britain-Ireland tour
Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced on Saturday, October 8, that Samoa will no longer participate in their three-match tour of Britain and Ireland because of the lack of funding resources.
Recently, the former St. Helens coach, Daniel Anderson, had joined in with Samoa, as their head coach. The franchise was lined up for a meeting on Sunday, just a week prior to their clash with England Knights and Ireland.
While speaking about the club’s decision to withdraw from the three-day tour, a RFL spokes-person stated, "The decision by Samoa to withdraw from their proposed tour at this late stage is both surprising and very disappointing. As we understand it, their
government's decision to withdraw funding has led to this move. The Samoans were very keen to come to Europe and a lot of hard work and detailed planning had been taking place behind the scenes. We are working with the Rugby League International Federation
to determine why Samoa changed their minds and we will take what practical steps we can to minimise any damage this decision may cause."
This decision has been received within the RFL with trepidation and it is believed that the franchise has pulled out of lined up fixtures on financial grounds because their government has refused further funding.
Just nine days before the inaugural game, the franchise broke the news which is difficult for the RFL to absorb. There had already been a great deal of effort put into the preparations for Britain tour after this month.
Since it cannot be ascertained why the Samoans had withdrawn from their fixtures against England Knights, RFL is working in a collaboration with Rugby League International Federation in order to look deeper into the case.
However, as of yet the exact reason has not been pinpointed and the RFL will look for another franchise to contest against the England Knights. Knights’ first match is scheduled against France in Leigh on October 15.
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