World Rugby has rejected suggestions it has ‘taken over’ the running of the Samoa Rugby Union.

The SRU agreed to implement governance, management and financial reforms following talks with the sport’s governing body at the end of last year.

Since then a new CEO, High Performance boss, General Manager and National Sevens coach have been appointed, with the bulk of those roles being taken by people from outside Samoa.

A new Manu Samoa coach is due to be named tomorrow, with the SRU confirming that the shortlisted candidates are all based offshore.

World Rugby’s General Manager of Asia/Oceania William Glenwright says the reform process is being driven by the Samoa Rugby Union and they are simply providing assistance at the SRU’s request.