ELIOTA FUIMAONA-SAPOLU will not be suspended for Sunday’s Twitter outburst after the IRB accepted an official apology from the Samoan centre.
The 30-year-old compared Samoa’s hectic World Cup schedule to both the Holocaust and apartheid after the islanders played their opening two pool matches in the space of four days.
On Sunday, Samoa were edged 17-10 in a tight contest by Wales, who had a full week of recovery time between their first two games.
“#IRB, Stop exploiting my people,” Fuimaono-Sapolu tweeted. “Please, all we ask, is fairness. If they [Wales] get a week, give us a week. Simple. #equity #justice.”
“If is obvious the IRB is unjust. Wales get seven days, we get three. Unfair treatment, like the holocaust, like apartheid. F*** U.“Give Wales 3 days off and give Samoa a week. We would kill them.”
The IRB indicated yesterday that they would be investigating the centre’s comments, but after meeting with officials from the Samoan camp, confirmed that no further action would be taken.
“Rugby World Cup Limited officials met with the Samoa team management today to discuss comments made by a member of the Samoa squad via the public social media network Twitter,” a statement read.
“While RWCL believes the nature of the comments to be inappropriate and has warned the Samoa Rugby Union regarding future social media conduct, RWCL has accepted an official apology and is satisfied with the proactive measures that the Union has outlined to RWCL to address the matter.
“There will be no further action, and RWCL considers the matter to be closed.”
