Vaea fined for making pig’s ear of World Cup

The manager of Samoa’s rugby team has reportedly been fined 100 pigs for disgracing his village and discrediting his chiefly title at the World Cup last month.

Television New Zealand’s Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver said Tuala Matthew Vaea had been ordered by elders of the village of Leauva’a to pay a fine of 100 female pigs after his conduct at the World Cup was criticised by Samoa team captain Mahonri Schwalger.

In feedback to Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, Schwalger reportedly said Vaea and other Samoan officials had treated the World Cup as a “massive holiday”, were frequently absent from the team when they had duties to perform and had spent too much time drinking with friends.

The Leauva’a village council found the allegation against Vaea – a former Samoa international – had disgraced the village and tarnished his chiefly rank. “He’s been fined for bringing disrepute to his village, which is quite a serious thing,” Dreaver said.

Other Samoan players have supported Schwalger and said the conduct of Vaea and Samoan Rugby Union officials at the World Cup affected their ability to play well.

Samoa were expected to be competitive in New Zealand after beating Australia in a warm-up match, but their performance fell below expectations and players have complained that officials let down the team by their conduct throughout the tournament. Vaea has already been dismissed as manager and the conduct of other officials is being investigated.

The 100 pigs had a value of around $2,500 and the fine was considered severe. “There’s more to this than just being fined,” Dreaver said. “What it’s really saying is that the village is supporting Manu Samoa players. This is a huge thing for the Manu Samoa players. It sends a very clear message.”

Schwalger told the prime minister that the Samoan players felt let down by their officials. “We as a team feel that our preparation was tainted by not having people in vital positions committed to their duties and responsibilities before every game,” he was quoted as saying.