The All Blacks have taken to social media to support the under-fire Samoan team in their feud with the Samoan Rugby Union. Photo / Instagram.
All Blacks Jerome Kaino and Julian Savea have backed Samoa's players in their dispute against their national administration, saying they have no regrets about posting a message of support on social media.
Loose forward Kaino and wing Savea were among 10 All Blacks who posed for a picture with the
sign #SamoaUnited. An additional message on Instagram said: "Players staying United for Manu Samoa and a positive outcome for the future of Samoan Rugby."
The other players involved were Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams, Patrick Tuipulotu, Brodie Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Augustine Pulu, Liam Messam and Keven Mealamu.
The message came after the Samoan team threatened to boycott this weekend's test against England at Twickenham in order to leverage a meeting with its union due to concerns about its governance and administration. It is the result of long-running issues, with the Kaino and Savea hoping their support can force the problems to be resolved.
It is understood that the All Blacks management accepted the players's actions, although Kaino said the players didn't inform them of what they were planning.
