Leota will be replaced by Mahonri Schwalger

Leota pulled out of the squad because his club side, Wasps, were refusing to pay him for the time he would be away at the competition.

And Samoan officials are investigating reports Tuilagi, who recently signed for Leicester, is withdrawing for the same reason.

"This is an absolute blight on the game and it just isn't fair, I know Trevor will be devastated by this," said Samoa coach John Boe.

Fiji coach Mac McCallion said Rauwalui and Rauluni had virtually been held to ransom by their British clubs.

"The players are basically told, 'You don't play for Fiji'. If they go to the World Cup they don't have a contract," McCallion told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.

"The clubs will deny it. They say it's the players' decision but these are two dedicated Fijians.

"They would give an arm and a leg to play at the World Cup. But what can they do? Playing for those clubs is their bread and butter."

Leota, one of the country's best and most recognisable players, has been replaced by Mahonri Schwalger in the squad for the tournament which begins on 10 October.

Samoa reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 1991 and 1995 and the quarter-final play-offs in 1999.