Tourists lauded by outspoken Samoan

Friday 22 June 2012

THE Samoan labelled the Mario Balotelli of world rugby last night applauded Scotland as champions simply for being prepared to travel to his homeland.

Custom byline text:

Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu says Andy Robinson's troops have gone out on a limb by "daring" to visit the South Pacific and he criticised the giants of the Test scene for being "too scared" to do the same.

Sapolu hit the headlines when he received a six-month ban from the International Rugby Board for his outspoken tweets during last year's World Cup in New Zealand and he underlined his dismay at being left out of the Samoa squad to face Scotland in Apia tomorrow for "political reasons".However, the 31-year-old centre, who boasts about his Scottish bloodline, said: "I have great respect for Scotland for having the guts to play in the Pacific region. So much is said at every World Cup about developing the game in the less fashionable parts of the globe, but until we see all the top teams coming to Samoa, Fiji and Tonga, it is all hot air and rubbish."What are teams scared of: losing or witnessing poverty? Touring in any sport is about experience, seeing another world, how people live and the lengths people go to to play rugby."I have been left out of this match for political reasons and that is sad, but on the other hand I am so happy Scotland are in Samoa. Not only is it great for rugby, it is a massive thing for the public – especially the youngsters – to see a real European professional team in the flesh. Seeing them in reality gives the kids a dream to aspire to and shows them what they must do to make it happen."I could go on and on about the wonderful thing Scotland have done, but what about the All Blacks and the Wallabies? They are only three hours away and they have never come here, yet they are happy to take our best players when they can."My great grandad was a Scot and I am damned proud of that. I am more proud than ever because Scotland have shown the way. They are the trailblazers in terms of humanity and rugby. "The sport will grow because of what Scotland have done and the more teams that have their heart and vision, the greater world rugby will be. They have shown the rest of the world how to do it and not made excuses not to."Sapolu landed in trouble at the World Cup when, through Twitter, he accused Welsh referee Nigel Owens of being biased in Samoa's narrow defeat to South Africa. He also alleged that tournament organisers had treated the Samoans like slaves and apartheid victims by ordering them to play two crucial matches within four days of each other.His six-month ban was suspended, but he was commanded to carry out 100 hours of rugby-orientated community work in Samoa and pass an official refereeing test. His exploits earned him the tag rugby's Mario Balotelli, after the Manchester City hothead.

Commenting & Moderation

We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.

Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.

Tourists lauded by outspoken Samoan

Commenting & Moderation

MOST READ

SPONSORED LINKS

MOST COMMENTED