AUSTRALIA BOOSTS PACIFIC WOMEN'S RUGBY WITH PENINA PASIFIKA ESTABLISHMENT

The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP (Photo: Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

In a groundbreaking move to elevate women's rugby in the Pacific, the Australian Government has joined forces with Rugby Australia, Oceania Rugby, and World Rugby to establish the Penina Pasifika women's rugby team. This initiative, funded through the PacificAus Sports program, seeks to create opportunities and pathways for female players from the Pacific to compete at the highest levels in Australian rugby competitions.

The Penina Pasifika team, inspired by the success of the Fijiana Drua, is set to compete in Rugby Australia's Super W preseason competition. This platform will showcase the best up-and-coming rugby talent from Samoa, Tonga, and other Pacific regions, fostering inclusivity and promoting the active participation of women and girls in rugby and other sports.

Scheduled to play its inaugural match against the Queensland Reds on February 24, 2024, in Brisbane, Penina Pasifika aims to continue the momentum generated by the Fijiana Drua's Super W Championship titles in 2022 and 2023. Subsequent fixtures against the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs on the Gold Coast in early March mark a significant step forward in the development of women's rugby in the Pacific.

The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, expressed the Australian Government's commitment to supporting sports in the Pacific and strengthening regional ties. He highlighted the overflowing talent in the Pacific and emphasized the pride in providing opportunities for Pacific female athletes to compete at the highest level, inspiring the next generation of stars.

Quotes from players and officials involved in Penina Pasifika underscore the impact of the initiative. Nina Foaese, a player from Samoa, sees playing for Penina Pasifika as an opportunity for personal growth and expression on the field. She also acknowledges the economic support it provides to families back home.

Aisea Aholelei, CEO of Tonga Rugby Union, lauded Penina Pasifika for providing inspiration to current players and young girls, offering a pathway to the national team and professional sports careers. Vincent Fepuleai, CEO of Lakapi Samoa, expressed the importance of Penina Pasifika in creating a much-needed pathway to professionalism for female rugby players from Samoa.

Jilly Collins, General Manager of Women's Rugby at Rugby Australia, extended gratitude for the generous support provided through the partnership with PacificAus Sports. With Australia gearing up to host the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup, Penina Pasifika's involvement contributes significantly to the continued growth of women's rugby in the Pacific.

The PacificAus Sports program, as an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative, is playing a vital role in developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high-performance coaching. The initiative covers various sports, including rugby, and emphasizes equal support for men's and women's sports.

As Penina Pasifika prepares to make its mark on the 2024 Super W preseason, the collaboration between the Australian Government, Rugby Australia, and PacificAus Sports underscores a commitment to fostering the growth and inclusivity of women's rugby in the Pacific, setting the stage for a bright future for female athletes in the region.