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Samoa Rugby Union imposes media ban as N.Z. rugby visits

An inspection team from the New Zealand Rugby Union arrived in the country yesterday for a site visit and to discuss other matters related to the Manu Samoa-All Blacks game this yearThe media spokesperson at the Samoa Rugby Union, Rula Su’a said that there would be no media allowed at the time of their arrival at the airport nor at the site inspection at Apia Park.She said that the media ban was confirmed during the Union meeting last Friday.“There will be a press release that will be prepared for the media afterwards,” she said The Samoa Rugby Union Interim Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Shuster also confirmed the visit last Friday during his press conference.“Some of the issues that will be discussed during their time in the country include the tickets sales and other matters.”Those other matters, are sure to include a drain age problem according to an article by New Zealand journalist, Liam Napier.He said that the problem at Apia Park was recognized in an earlier trip by World Rugby officials a week or so ago and that the officials will assess the problematic drainage system that encroaches on Apia Park field.He also noted, “The build-up to the All Blacks' historic test in Apia on July 8 has been far from smooth and NZR will be keen to avoid any controversy around a momentous occasion for both countries.“The main concern was a newly constructed drain that shortens the in-goal area and borders the sideline.As part of a reconnaissance trip, NZR will now inspect the drain themselves and also check on medical facilities before All Blacks manager, Darren Shand ventures over to Apia “closer to the test.”Shand will focus on transport and hotels details, he said.\There is a concrete drain that's being laid as part of an athletics track