Struggling Samoa getting help: World Rugby

Rugby chiefs have insisted they are supporting financially-stricken Samoa appropriately at the Women's World Cup, after it emerged that players from the Pacific island nation had raised funds to cover domestic bills while taking part in the tournament.

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LONDON - Rugby chiefs have insisted they are supporting financially-stricken Samoa appropriately at the Women's World Cup, after it emerged that players from the Pacific island nation had raised funds to cover domestic bills while taking part in the tournament.

Samoa are an amateur side, whose squad include a police officer, a primary school teacher and a property manager. By contrast, tournament hosts and favourites England, a fully professional outfit, have players on annual contracts ranging from £39,000 (S$67,300) to £48,000.

The Red Roses thrashed Samoa 92-3 when the teams met in a World Cup pool match on Aug 30.

World Rugby have said they are doing all they can to help emerging nations such as Samoa by providing them with access to specialist coaches, and bringing in former Test referee Alain Rolland to help reduce their penalty counts.