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Rugby union is set to boom in the Pacific with the federal government allocating $14.2 million for the Australian-Pacific Rugby Union Partnership, bringing Australia and its Pacific neighbours closer together through sport.
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Announced by Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy, the federal government, in partnership with Rugby Australia, hopes to improve people-to-people relations across the Pacific through sport, while strengthening Pacific rugby union teams, increasing Pacific representation in elite rugby and creating new pathways for women and girls in the Pacific.
Initiatives include supporting the continued success of the Fijian Drua and their participation in both the Super Rugby Pacific and Australia’s Super Rugby Women’s competition, establishing the PacificAus Sports Rugby Academy to train Pacific rugby staff, founding the Penina Pasifika to participate in the Super Rugby Women’s pre-season competition, and advancing women’s sevens programs in Samoa and the Solomon Islands.
In developing more rugby union pathways in the Pacific, the federal government hopes that the funding will bring fixtures to the region.
The partnership will help cement regional engagements and people-to-people links, Minister Conroy said.
“Australia and Pacific Islands nations are family, with an enduring history and shared values, which is underscored by a love of rugby that brings us even closer together.
“The Australian government is proud to be furthering our partnership with Rugby Australia through PacificAus Sports to give Pacific rugby teams and athletes opportunities to compete at the highest levels in Australia. Crucially, this funding will support pathways for girls and women to shine on and off the field.
“In addition to enabling the success of the Fijian Drua and Penina Pasifika, this partnership has provided unique opportunities for engagement at community, national and regional levels, deepening our people-to-people links and our close regional ties.”
Phil Waugh, chief executive officer of Rugby Australia and former Wallabies star, noted that the partnership will expand opportunities across the region.
“Rugby Australia is proud to announce our new PacificAus Sports partnership with the Australian government. The Australian-Pacific Rugby Union Partnership will unite Australia and our Pacific family through rugby union and create new pathways for Pacific and Australian rugby players and staff to play, train, and develop together at the highest levels of our game,” Waugh explained.
“We have committed to working with World Rugby, Oceania Rugby, and our Pacific Union partners to expand PacificAus Sports rugby opportunities across the region, particularly for emerging Pacific women’s rugby players.
“The government’s investment is a testament to the strength of rugby in our region. On behalf of Rugby Australia, I thank the Australian government for supporting our game in Australia and the Pacific.”
