Mahroni Schwalger led Samoa in the siva tau ahead of their World Cup campaign © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Samoan manager fined 100 pigs

News: Fuimaono-Sapolu appeal date set

News: Fuimaono-Sapolu in hot water again

Match Pack: Springboks battle past brave Samoa

Players/Officials: Harry Schuster | Peter Schuster | Mo Schwalger

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup

Teams: Samoa

Samoa skipper Mahonri Schwalger has hit out at the senior management of the team for their behaviour during the World Cup.

Schwalger praised the coaching staff but was highly critical of the management team - including vice chairman Harry Schuster, chief executive officer Peter Schuster, team manager Mathew Vaea and assistant manager Ryan Schuster - in a letter to Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, which was published by the Samoan Observer.

Samoa were knocked out of the World Cup after defeats to Wales and South Africa in the pool stages in a campaign that was also marred by a series of controversial comments by centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu.

"Matthew is definitely out for himself," Schwalger said of Vaea. "I feel that he did not want to be there at most times as he would disappear from the team for two to three days during all the weeks. He would also go out drinking every single day during the World Cup. He acted like he is the owner of the team and not the manager.

"We as the team feel that our preparation was tainted by not having people in vital positions committed to their duties and responsibilities before every game."

Assistant manager Ryan Schuster and chief executive officer Peter Schuster also came in for heavy criticism.

"He was trying to do Tuala's job and cover for him while Tuala was out drinking and playing golf," said Schwalger of the assistant manager. "The biggest problem with Ryan is, he is very dishonest when it comes to the gears. He practically was there as Tuala's bum boy and we felt sorry for him because he could not do the job properly. His unprofessionalism was a bit much as he would constantly swear to the players and treated everything as a joke."

Schwalger concluded his letter by writing: "Personally, I feel that in order for our team to go forward we need to have honest and committed people or we will never go anywhere. From Harry, to board members that were there at the World Cup, they treated this as a massive holiday.

"On behalf of myself and the boys, we would like to thank you very much for your support and the country's support. Without your support we will never be in this position. We all need to sort this mess out not only for the present but mainly for the future generation. I promise you, if this part is sorted out by getting the right people to do the job, Samoa will be unstoppable."