4 Sep 2010

Samoa's PM challenges NZ to release Samoan players for World Cup

11:13 am on 4 September 2010

Samoa's prime minister has challenged New Zealand to release Samoan players currently contracted in New Zealand for next years World Cup.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who is also the head of the Samoa Rugby Union, made the call at a function in Apia attended by the New Zealand Rugby World Cup minister, Murray McCully.

Samoa is the Rugby 7's world champion and hopes for a record performance in New Zealand next year.

Tuilapea told the gathering that his hopes are that New Zealand will relent on its terms for Samoan players soon.

"In the not too distant future, that is before the next World Cup. Samoa players not wanted for the All Blacks would be available to play for our Manu Samoa."

Samoa's prime minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.