As concern continues to grow over the future of rugby in Samoa, World Rugby has clarified key claims circulating in recent reports, telling Island City Media that assertions of a four-year international ban and a compliance deadline for Lakapi Samoa are not accurate.

The clarification comes after widespread reports suggested that Lakapi Samoa could face a four-year suspension from international rugby and possible exclusion from the 2027 Rugby World Cup following the Samoa Government’s decision to withdraw its recognition and support of the national union.

Seeking clarity amid growing concern across the Pacific rugby community, Island City Media contacted World Rugby directly.

In correspondence with Island City Media, World Rugby confirmed that reports claiming Lakapi Samoa has been issued a four-year ban and that the governing body has imposed a deadline for the union to comply contain inaccuracies. World Rugby clarified that no such ban has been announced and that it has not issued a compliance deadline.

Instead, the organization says it remains actively engaged with those involved as discussions continue.

A World Rugby spokesperson told Island City Media:

“We are in active and constructive dialogue with all parties and remain focused on a positive resolution.”

World Rugby also confirmed that it is currently facilitating discussions between the relevant parties in an effort to help find a pathway toward resolving the governance issues surrounding Lakapi Samoa.

At this stage, World Rugby has not announced a four-year suspension against Lakapi Samoa. It has also not confirmed that Samoa faces exclusion from the 2027 Rugby World Cup, nor has it issued a deadline requiring the union to meet governance conditions.

The governance dispute itself remains ongoing following the Samoa Government’s withdrawal of recognition and support for Lakapi Samoa. However, World Rugby’s clarification makes clear that dialogue continues and that the specific claims regarding an immediate four-year ban and compliance deadline should not be treated as confirmed.

As reports spread across multiple media platforms in recent days, concern quickly grew among players, supporters, and the wider Pacific rugby community. World Rugby’s response provides important context while discussions continue behind the scenes.

Island City Media remains committed to reporting verified information, particularly on matters of significance to Pacific communities. As a Pacific-led media organization, we believe it is our responsibility to seek clarification directly from official sources when information is rapidly developing.

World Rugby indicated that further updates are expected in the coming days as conversations continue.

Until then, the governing body’s position is clear: World Rugby says reports claiming Lakapi Samoa has already been handed a four-year international ban or that it has imposed a compliance deadline are not accurate.

Island City Media will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as official information becomes available.