Rugby: Samoa makes big loss on ABs test

Winger George Moala on the charge for the All Blacks against Samoa. Photo Getty
Winger George Moala on the charge for the All Blacks against Samoa. Photo Getty
The All Blacks' much-anticipated first game in Samoa has cost the local rugby union a loss of 1.5 million tala -- about $NZ890,000.

Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who is also the Samoan Rugby Union's chairman, revealed the figure to local media over the weekend.

"[A total of] 3.4 million (tala) was spent to host the All Blacks. The money was spent on preparations, the cost of everything and allowances," the Samoa Observer reported.

"The bulk of the money went towards the players' allowances."

The All Blacks played the Manu Samoa at the newly refurbished Apia Park on July 8.

The Kiwi team received a hero's welcome when they touched down at Faleolo Airport two days earlier and the local tourism industry -- including restaurants and businesses -- soared.

Mr Malielegaoi said the union had received 1.9 million tala (about $NZ1.1m) in revenue -- including money from companies which sold Manu Samoa merchandise.

"It doesn't cover our expenses, especially the extended camp for the players, food, allowances, transport. It's all money," he said.

Mr Malielegaoi said in reality, the union needed to fundraise at least 10 million tala (about $NZ5.9m) every year to keep up with international fixtures.

 

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