England players make decision on whether to donate portion of match fee to Samoa
Rugby NewsWednesday, 22 November 2017 at 13:41
Mako Vunipola had floated idea that England stars could give percentage away
Samoa's union has been declared bankrupt, which is refuted by World Rugby
RFU are to pay £75,000 to Pacific Islanders after game as goodwill gesture
Spokesperson for players said they did not feel it was their place to intervene
England’s players have decided against donating part of their £22,000 match fee to Samoa players.
Mako Vunipola, the Saracens prop who comes from a Tongan family, had proposed donating at least £1,000 per player earlier this month and it was understood at the time that there was near universal agreement within the squad to do so.
Samoa’s players only receive a £650 match fee in contrast and a widespread appeal has been launched - #HELPSAMOA - to help offset financial problems within the Samoan union.
“As players we feel it isn't our place to get involved in what appears to be a complex issue between the Samoan union and World Rugby,” said a spokesman for the England players.
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“We are aware that the RFU has pledged to make a goodwill gesture to them on behalf of everyone involved with England Rugby and we support that decision.
“As players we look forward to playing Samoa this weekend as I am sure they are too. We won’t be commenting on this matter any further.”
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