World Rugby confirms appointment of Lakapī Sāmoa Chairman to Council

Lakapi Samoa is pleased to announce that its 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐀𝐟𝐢𝐨𝐠𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐮𝐥𝐮 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢’𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐚, has been formally appointed by World Rugby as Samoa’s representative on the World Rugby Council.

The appointment reflects World Rugby’s recognition of Lakapi Samoa’s constitutional processes and reinforces Samoa’s continued place at the highest level of international rugby governance.

As the supreme decision-making body of World Rugby, the Council is responsible for shaping the global direction of the game, including matters relating to governance, competitions, player welfare, high performance, and the continued growth of rugby worldwide.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐩𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐚, 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐮𝐥𝐮 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐚
“This appointment is not about an individual, but about ensuring that Samoa continues to have a voice at the table where important decisions affecting the global game are made. I am honoured to represent Lakapi Samoa and the people of Samoa, and I remain committed to advancing the interests of our players, supporters and the wider Pacific rugby family.

This appointment is also a recognition of the hard work and sacrifices of those who have served Samoa rugby before us – our players, coaches, management, administrators, officials and volunteers – whose contributions have helped build the reputation and standing that Samoa enjoys today. I also acknowledge the Government of Samoa as an important partner and stakeholder, whose continued support remains vital to the growth and success of rugby in our country.

Together, we have a responsibility to protect and strengthen the game for the benefit of future generations of Samoan rugby players and supporters.”

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐍𝐠𝐚𝐮 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐧 said the appointment demonstrates World Rugby’s confidence in the governance and leadership structures of Lakapi Samoa.
“Samoa has held a place on the World Rugby Council since 2018 and this appointment ensures that our voice continues to be heard. We thank World Rugby for its confidence and reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to strengthen rugby in Samoa and across the Pacific.”

Lakapi Samoa remains focused on delivering sustainable growth, strengthening governance, and supporting the development of players and pathways from grassroots to the international stage.

The Union looks forward to continuing its close relationship with World Rugby, Oceania Rugby, Government, former players, and all stakeholders in ensuring a strong future for rugby in Samoa.

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦
Namulauulu’s distinguished career began in 1992 with the Samoa Courts Division of the Justice Department, following his graduation from Central Queensland University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. An Australian Government scholarship saw him complete a postgraduate Diploma in Law at the University of Wollongong in 1997, majoring in Court Management, and he was subsequently appointed Deputy Registrar of the Supreme and Appeal Courts of Samoa in early 1998.

In 1999, Namulauulu transitioned to the private sector, joining Federal Pacific Insurance Ltd, where he has served as General Manager for over 26 years. In this role, he oversees operations across Samoa and the Pacific — including Tonga, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, and Timor-Leste, working closely with underwriters in Asia and the London markets.

𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫
Beyond his day-to-day leadership at Federal Pacific Insurance, Namulauulu has made a formidable contribution to Samoa’s business community. He has served as President of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and currently sits as a Director of the National Bank of Samoa. His board-level experience extends to the National Provident Fund, the Central Bank of Samoa, the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labor (Private Sector Support Facility) and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority.

In 2013, he was honored with appointment as Samoa’s representative in the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, initiated by the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM), a role he fulfilled with distinction until the Trust’s successful completion in 2019.

Namulauulu also brought his expertise to the national parliament, winning a by-election in early 2018 and serving on the Public Accounts (Audit and Finance) Committee and as Vice Chairman of the Lands and Titles Law Reform Parliamentary Committee. He made his come back into politics in the 2025 general election and is currently serving as a member of the Economic Sector Parliamentary Committee and Co-Chair his Constituency (Faasaleleaga No3) District Development Project. Despite his numerous commitments in government and business, he continues to serve as President of Safotulafai Primary School, a role that is dear to his heart that he has held for over 20 years.

𝐀 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐍𝐨 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫
It is in the world of rugby that Namulauulu’s passion truly shines. His journey with the Samoa Rugby Union began in year 2000, on the sidelines of national age-group teams — the U19s, U20s, and U21s — where he became the longest- serving Team Manager in Samoa’s history across both national teams and IRB (now World Rugby) Age Group World Tournaments.

His managerial career is studded with landmark achievements:
• 2006 — Team Manager of the inaugural Pacific Rugby Cup champion, Savaii Samoa.
• 2011 — Overall Trophy Winner at the IRB U20 Rugby World Trophy in Tbilisi, Georgia.
• 2012 — Oversaw Manu Samoa’s rise to a historic 7th in the world rankings — the highest ever — at the
conclusion of the November test window.
• 2013 — Team Manager of the Samoa 7s squad at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow.
• 2015 Apia Test — Team Manager for the only test match ever held in Apia between the Manu Samoa and the
New Zealand All Blacks — a proud moment for every Samoan rugby fan.

After more than a decade of frontline team management from 2000 to 2015, Namulauulu moved into governance, joining the Samoa Rugby Union Board as Secretary in 2016 before being appointed President in 2018 — a position he held with energy and purpose, until his recent appointment as Lakapi Samoa Board Chairman.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝
At the regional level, Namulauulu has represented Samoa at Oceania Rugby meetings since 2016 and served as a Director of Oceania Rugby from 2018 to 2021, bringing the voice of Samoan rugby to the highest levels of the Pacific game.

With a career spanning the courts, the boardroom, parliament, and the rugby field, Namulauulu Papalii Sami Leota embodies the kind of well-rounded, experienced, and passionate leadership that will drive Lakapi Samoa confidently into its next chapter.”

Namulauulu expressed his sincere appreciation to the Lakapi Samoa Board for its confidence and support and acknowledged the significance of being entrusted to represent Samoa on the World Rugby Council.

“This appointment is both an honour and a responsibility. Great moments are born from great opportunities, and I believe this presents another opportunity for us to strengthen and grow rugby in Samoa and across the Pacific for the benefit of all stakeholders and future generations of players.”

He acknowledged that the role comes with challenges but remained confident that success would come through unity and collective effort.

“There will always be challenges, but teamwork makes the dream work. As an organisation, we must continue to lift our standards, work hard together and remain committed to the values that have brought us this far. Above all, I place my faith in the Lord to guide me and give me wisdom as I undertake this responsibility on behalf of Samoa.”

IMAGE/ATA: Supplied / Lakapi Samoa