RFU to compensate Samoa amid reports of financial difficulties

Samoa are due at Twickenham on November 25

The Rugby Football Union has told Sky Sports News they will compensate Samoa amid reports of financial difficulties for the Samoan rugby authorities.

England are scheduled to host the Pacific Islanders at Twickenham on November 25, live on Sky Sports, in the third of their autumn international series.

Reports in the Samoan press, quoting the prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, suggested that the Samoa Rugby Union is in a dire financial situation.

Tuilaepa, who is also chairman of the SRU, told the Samoa Observer: "We are bankrupt. In other words, we are insolvent.

"It means the Union cannot continue to pay off our debts with the banks. We also need money to pay the players so they can continue to play."

England made a goodwill payment to Fiji on their visit last year

The RFU made a similar goodwill gesture to Fiji when they toured last year.

On that occasion, the RFU passed over £75,000, and a similar figure is expected to be handed over this time.

The Samoans are scheduled to play Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday November 11.