23 Nov 2006

Samoa rugby chief under investigation after journalist allegedly threatened

2:42 pm on 23 November 2006

Samoa's Rugby Union chief executive officer, Tuilagi Saipele Esera, is under police investigation following an incident during a dinner to farewell the Manu Samoa sevens rugby team leaving for Dubai.

Tuilagi is being accused by a sports reporter and commentator, Sioeli Alofaifo, of threatening to beat him with a chair if he didn't leave the function in a local restaurant and bar.

According to the commentator, Tuilagi was not happy with what he had reported during the Manu Samoa's tour of Australia this year.

The incident was witnessed by invited guests and players of the national rugby sevens team including officials of the National Rugby Union board.