27 Jul 2015

Sport: No regrets for SRU despite million dollar deficit in hosting ABs

11:35 am on 27 July 2015

The Samoa Rugby Union believes hosting the All Blacks was money well spent despite facing a loss of 1.5 million Tala ($NZ965,000).

The union's chief executive, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai, confirmed expenses for the Apia test, including training camps, player allowances, travel and accommodation, amounted to 3.4 million Tala ($NZ2.2m, $US1.3m).

Faleomavaega said the rugby union had expected to balance the books but collected only 1.9 million Tala ($NZ1.22m, $US580,000) in revenue.

"We were looking at probably breaking even but we were expecting to earn a little bit more from broadcasting and maybe as well would have got a bit more sponsorship," he said.

"But in saying that, [we're] talking a lot more with future sponsors and so forth, as we speak.

"I think in the long haul it was such a success that I think we are expecting a little bit more support now from sponsorship in moving forward".

Manu Samoa and the All Blacks sing their respective national anthems at the stadium ahead of their rugby match in Apia

Manu Samoa and the All Blacks sing their respective national anthems ahead of their rugby match in Apia Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Faleomavaega said despite coming at a significant cost, the match had done wonders for Samoa's economy and promoted the country to the world.

He said the extra time in camp will also benefit the Manu team in their Rugby World Cup preparations.

All Blacks and Samoa after New Zealand's victory at Apia Park.

All Blacks and Samoa after New Zealand's victory at Apia Park. Photo: Photosport

The All Blacks had a narrow win over Samoa in the 8 July match, the first time the two nations had clashed on Samoan turf. It was also the All Blacks' first official test in the Pacific, despite many players over the years coming from a Pasifika background.

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