Samoa players deny pay dispute is over

SAMOAN rugby players are disputing the claims of their prime minister that a dispute with their national rugby union has been resolved. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who is also union chairman, told Television New Zealand on Tuesday that he had spoken to the players and the dispute is under control. But lock Daniel Leo, who is spokesman for the Samoan team, told Radio Live yesterday “we haven’t even had a chance to meet with them, let alone sort anything out, so it’s stalling tactics.” The International Rugby Players Association also issued a statement saying “the situation is absolutely not under control. There’s a lack of urgency from the Samoan Rugby Union to address issues and frustrations are building within the rugby community.”