Apia Park

Poor ground conditions a concern for former Manu Samoa lock Daniel Leo

Leo, who is the Player Welfare Manager for Pacific players based in Europe, raised his concern on social media directly to World Rugby about the poor ground set up at Apia Park in Samoa.

Leo made the comment following the PNC clash between Manu Samoa and Tonga.

 Heavy rain had affected the ground conditions and players were covered with mud during the game.
In his tweet today, Leo stated “Would England Rugby, All Blacks, Springboks or any Tier 1 team agree to playing on this? Then why is it acceptable for us poor nations?”

Blues blame venue for Apia flop

The Blues edged the Queensland Reds 34-29 in Apia on Friday but the 8000-capacity stadium was less than half-full, prompting criticism on social media that ticket prices were too expensive.

Outspoken former Samoa international Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu told New Zealand radio that the Blues management were "ignorant" and "arrogant" in their approach to the game in the developing country.