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November 23, 2011

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Manager told to pay 100 pigs as fine

THE manager of Samoa's rugby team has reportedly been fined 100 pigs for disgracing his village and discrediting his chiefly title at the World Cup last month.

Television New Zealand's Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver said Tuala Matthew Vaea had been ordered by elders of the village of Leauva'a to pay a fine of 100 female pigs after his conduct at the World Cup was criticized by Samoa team captain Mahonri Schwalger.

In feedback to Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, Schwalger reportedly said Vaea and other Samoan officials had treated the World Cup as a "massive holiday," were frequently absent from the team when they had duties to perform and had spent too much time drinking with friends.

The Leauva'a village council found the allegation against Vaea, a former Samoa international, had disgraced the village and tarnished his chiefly rank.

"When the village elders rule on something, that is what happens. He's been fined for bringing disrepute to his village, which is quite a serious thing," Dreaver said.

Schwalger has been supported by other Samoan players who say the conduct of Vaea and Samoan Rugby Union officials at the World Cup affected their ability to play well.

Samoa was expected to be extremely competitive in New Zealand after beating world No. 2 Australia in a leadup match.

Its performance fell below expectations and players have complained that officials let down the team by their conduct throughout the tournament.

Vaea has already been dismissed as manager and the conduct of other officials is being investigated.




 

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