Samoan rugby has been declared "bankrupt" by the nation's prime minister ahead of Tests against Scotland on Saturday and England later this month.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegao, the Samoan premier and chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, has asked the public to donate money to keep the sport alive in the island nation.
A JustGiving page has since been set up by Samoan player Daniel Leo to raise £150,000 to support players from the nation but by Thursday evening had generated just over £1,500.
The news is likely to put pressure on other nations to share revenues from games with the Samoans, with host countries currently under no obligation to split gate receipts.
Ahead of their match at Twickenham on November 25, the RFU is reportedly planning to make a goodwill payment of £75,000 to the islanders, similar to the one made to Fiji last year.
Tier 2 nations have their international insurance underwritten by World Rugby, which means that all of Samoa's games this autumn are expected to go ahead.
Giuseppe Labellarte
