Samoan rugby boss fined 100 pigs

Quentin Brears (left) and Manu Samoa Team Manager Tuala Matthew Vaea. Photo / APN

Manu Samoa manager Tuala Mathew Vaea has been fined 100 pigs by his village over allegations of bad behaviour at the Rugby World Cup.

Leauva'a village chief Sala Lose said the fine was imposed because the allegations had tarnished the chiefly title bestowed on Vaea, who is a member of the village.

He was ordered at a village council meeting last weekend to provide 100 sows, which are worth about $3300, for the village.

In a report to the Samoan Prime Minister last month, captain Mahonri Schwalger criticised Mr Vaea's behaviour during the tournament.

The report claimed Mr Vaea "did not want to be there at most times" and "spent most of his time drinking". It also said that he treated the World Cup like a holiday, and was often out playing golf.

Mr Vaea was also accused of not being around to present the jerseys before the team's final pool game against South Africa.

Samoa had hoped to repeat their performances of the 1990s when they made the play-offs three times, but managed only third place behind South Africa and Wales in their pool this time.

Mr Vaea was dropped as manager on the team's return, and the Samoa Rugby Union has advertised for a new manager "to lead, drive and manage" the national team.

The union is also looking for a new head coach and two assistant coaches.

"The new management team will be responsible for identification, recruitment and nurturing potential Manu Samoa players worldwide," it said.

Mr Vaea could not be reached for comment, and union officials did not return the Herald's calls yesterday.