Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Samoa’s Prime Minister praises banker, Sir Michael Fay, for supporting Manu Samoa

Posted at 19:45 on 18 April, 2004 UTC

The investment banker ,Sir Michael Fay, has been praised as the savour of Samoan rugby by the Samoan Prime Minister and the Chairman of the rugby union Tuilaepa Sailele.

Tuilaepa says with the advent of professionalism, the SRU could see it couldn’t afford matches, and Sir Michael came to the rescue with extra money.

But the announcement that Sir Michael would reduce his involvement in Manu Samoa, came as no suprise as Tuilaepa said Sir Michael had lost 5 million dollars in funding Samoa since 1996.

Sir Michael has reportedly agreed for Cullen Sports to join in sponsoring Manu Samoa.

Conditions for a three way partnership, including the Samoan Rugby Union are being worked out.