That article above also touches on the 'loss' fallout from Samoa hosting the All Blacks in 2015.
But Tew found it difficult to comprehend reports that Samoa's 2015 clash against the All Blacks in Apia had contributed significantly to its debt.
"We paid all our own costs to be there, sent a lot of people up to help manage the game, and deliberately went in for a short period," he said. "They only picked up our landed costs, and that should have made it profitable."
Way back in 2015, I was really disappointed at how eager the SRU and Samoan PM were to trumpet how much of a loss they made from hosting the All Blacks. I've got to ask for what reasons? What political advantage was to be gained? Easier to subsequently ask for money from Samoan government?
Tuilaepa suggested government help would be needed to fill the financial shortfall.
Plenty of posters on here were also gleeful at the 'loss', as IMO, it justified the "never been to Samoa" chestnut. Plenty of people willing to swallow the Samoan PM's line on that one, but question his world on other occasions.
I'll admit by bias. I was really disappointed at how eager the SRU and Samoan PM were to trumpet how much of a loss they made from hosting the All Blacks.
At the time, I read into it wondering how the SRU made a loss.
Just going by this stuff article you can see the interesting anomolies; stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/70562432/samoa-loses-1m-hosting-historic-all-blacks-test
Tuilaepa, who doubles as chairman of the Samoan Rugby Union, has claimed the total cost of the test – assembling the largely offshore-based Samoan squad and hosting the All Blacks - was $3.4m (NZ$2.1m), offset by generated revenue of $1.9m (NZ$1.2m).
That left the union staring at a loss of $1.5m (NZ$1m).
"$3.4 million was spent to host the All Blacks. The money was spent on preparations, the cost of everything and allowances. The bulk of the money went towards the players' allowances," Tuilaepa told a news conference
"The Samoan squad **had an extended camp** leading into the All Blacks test and the Pacific Nations Cup which it is now contesting with Tonga, Fiji, the United States, Canada and Japan. Income from the All Blacks fixture hadn't matched outgoings."
"It doesn't cover our expenses, especially the extended camp for the players. Food, allowances, transport… it's all money," Tuilaepa
There currently isn't a reputable 'partner' that NZRU can deal with in Samoa. Loss or no loss, I can't see the NZRU being eager to bend over backwards to visit again it if is just going to be used as a bargaining ploy by the SRU to demonstrate that they need more money.
Similarly, I have read that SANZAR, while keen to expand into the PIs with a franchise back when they added the sunwolves. Don';t see a creditble partner anywhere in the PIs that they can deal with and trust to have capable governance that a franchise doesn't become a debacle for SANZAR to prop up.
Sad times, that can only be fixed when governance is accountable. Fiji are on track, SRU are still in denial.