E-mail Article Print-Friendly Version Contact Us

SAMOA

News | Profile | Anthem | Fixtures | Results | Tickets

Samoan reject back in Auckland

Saturday 19th January 2008

Peter Fatialofa: Rejected by Samoa

Former Auckland prop Peter Fatialofa, one of Samoa's most dedicated servants, has returned to the New Zealand province shattered after being overlooked to take over as coach of his country's national side.

Fatialofa, who also played in the Samoan front row and even captained the side, was the Islander's technical advisor for six years and the assistant coach for 10 years.

He had set his heart on taking over the position from All Black legend Michael Jones, after the latter vacated the position at the end of the World Cup last year.

"I thought this time was my time, but I guess it wasn't meant to be," a disappointed Fatialofa told the Observer Sports newspaper.

"I came over here on a one-way ticket and I was confident that my role in Manu Samoa for 22 years and my track record would speak for itself, but obviously the panel had different ideas."

Fatialofa, who worked his way through the ranks in Samoan rugby, felt he had been overlooked in favour of former national Sevens and Under-19 coach Tuala Lepale Niko Palamo because he lived in New Zealand.

"I don't know how they did the process. I've played in all age groups for Samoa, I've coached at provincial level, was assistant coach of Manu Samoa for 10 years, played for Manu Samoa, captained Manu Samoa, that's the pathway I followed.

"I know the people of Samoa wanted a local, but I would just like to say that I am a local, I'm probably more local than some of the locals here as far as rugby is concerned.

"I know I now live in New Zealand, but I've been local since I joined this team in 1988," Fatialofa said, adding that he would be focussing on his family and business for a while before trying to find another outlet for the skills he had acquired over his long career.

"It's been an honour. I really wanted to coach Manu Samoa, it was my dream, but I guess I just have to move on and find somewhere where my track record is appreciated.

"I can only encourage the people of Samoa to get behind Lepale and support him in his reign as Manu Samoa coach. He has my support."

Lepale Niko Palamo has a two year contract with Samoa with the option to extend his contract through to the 2011 World Cup.