Tuala Lepale Niko Palamo, who took over from former All Black flanker Michael Jones after Samoa's early exit from the 2007 World Cup, will be consulting his lawyers after the Samoan union confirmed it was advertising for new coaching staff.

"Because the reasons they gave are very weak and unfounded, I've sought legal advice on the matter," said Palamo.

The Samoan Rugby Union advertised the posts of Palamo and assistant coaches Fepuleai Selefuti Patu and Paepae Stan Toomalatai in the Samoa Observer as it prepares for what it says is a crucial year in the build up to the 2011 World Cup.

"It's important that Samoa is competitive in order to secure further internationals and develop a greater depth of Samoan talent," the union said.

Fellow Pacific Islands Fiji and Tonga have already qualified for the 2011 tournament in New Zealand, while Samoa need to win a Pacific qualifying series later this year in order to secure their own qualification.