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Rugby league players from the ADF and the Fiji Military Forces have bonded over their shared passion for the sport, as part of an initiative to strengthen ties between the regional neighbours.
Australian Defence Force Rugby League players have wrapped up a day-long activity with fellow athletes from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces who play for Fijian rugby league team Kaiviti Silktails.
The ADF-led training program was designed to provide practical and theoretical advice to officials and players, while also issuing accreditation for referees, coaches and sports trainers.
Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the visit to Victoria Barracks in Sydney helped build ties between the nations.
“It was an honour to have the Kaiviti Silktails visit Australia and spend time with the ADF Rugby League Team and the NRL," Minister Chester said.
"The training complements existing virtual training programs between the groups."
The Kaiviti Silktails will take part in the 2021 Ron Massey Cup, a tournament supported and partly funded by the Commonwealth government under the Pacific Step-up initiative.
“The training program is part of the broader Australian government’s Pacific Step-up initiative and demonstrates the ADF’s commitment to sovereignty, stability, security and prosperity in the Pacific region,” Minister Chester added.
“Sport is a way for Australia to partner with other nations to enhance health, nutrition and fitness, and embrace teamwork opportunities.
“The values of sport – competition, teamwork and fair play – help build trust between countries and bring people together.”
After completing training in Sydney, ADF Rugby league players are scheduled to participate in a week-long virtual training program with up to 95 members of the Fiji Military Forces and Fiji National Rugby Team from 22–25 March.
The program will be based out of the Kaiviti Silktails Centre of Excellence in Lautoka, Fiji, with instructors participating virtually from Townsville and Sydney.
