Samoa's Rugby World Cup hopes were dealt a massive blow today when veteran hooker Trevor Leota withdrew from the squad following a pay dispute with his club.
Leota pulled out of the squad because his club, Wasps, are refusing to pay him while he's in Australia for the World Cup.
Samoan officials are also investigating reports that second row Henry Tuilaga is about to withdraw for the same reason.
"We haven't been told officially yet but we expect that's the case," Samoa coach John Boe said.
Boe said Leota was desperate to play in the World Cup but had been forced to pull out for financial reasons. He has been replaced by Mahonri Schwalger.
"We are very disappointed that Trevor was unavailable for the Rugby World Cup," Boe said. He is a very talented and committed player who also makes a considerable contribution off the field in his role as a senior member of the team.
Samoa reached the quarter-finals in 1991 and 1995 and the quarter-final playoffs in 1999 but face a tough task advancing beyond the pool stage this time after being drawn alongside South Africa and England.