A new initiative 'Ocean Rise Rugby' aimed to improve inclusion and empowerment of girls and women in the sport was launched on 23 July, at the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

Oceania Rugby and the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports announced this as a game-changing regional collaboration, that will support and boost women in rugby.

Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Fiji will benefit from this project.

Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Hon. Pat Conroy said this project responds to the increasing popularity of rugby for women in the region.

He said this significant, three-year collaboration with Oceania Rugby will positively impact thousands of Pacific women and empower them to participate in sport. 

"There has been excellent progress in participation and performance for rugby nations in recent years, there significant inequalities remain for women and girls in rugby. This initiative will provide much needed resourcing to give Pacific women more opportunities to participate in sport.

“We know the Pacific is full of female sporting talent, especially when it comes to rugby. By investing in rugby administration, we are unlocking the great potential of women and girls across the region and helping them take their place as sporting champions of the Pacific."

Much needed support 

Oceania Rugby Women's Director and World Rugby Council Member, Cathy Wong also said this investment is a game-changer for women in rugby in our region. 

"It focuses on three critical areas of need and impact: women in senior decision making and leadership roles, filling gaps in women’s domestic pathways through the creation of new national women’s competitions in target countries, and enhancing rugby governance across the whole region.” 

Oceania Rise Rugby funds initiatives that will boost women in decision-making and leadership roles across the entire region, including directors training, women’s rugby-specific learning resources, and an Oceania Women in Rugby Network and mentoring program. 

Support have been provided to establish a new domestic women’s and girls’ rugby competition, appoint new full-time positions in senior management for women, and drive local capacity through the recruitment, training and mentoring of women in on and off-field roles. 

Support for Tonga 

The Australian Government’s Ambassador for Women, Christine Clarke received a gift fromTonga's Deputy Head of Mission, Curtis Tu'ihalangingie, acknowledging this collaboration.

Tonga Rugby Union CEO Peter Harding who was present expressed how meaningful Australia’s support is. 

He said Tonga Rugby Union is committed to giving all girls and women the opportunity to equally participate in the world's fastest growing sport, Women’s Rugby.

"But, the volcanic eruption of early 2022 was a major setback, and this funding is essential to rebuilding. It gives us the boosts we need to kick start our programs, providing significant playing, and coaching opportunities and enhance our management team. All this will build a base on which our women’s game can thrive. 

“Tonga and Australia have long been friends through sport, and we want to thank the Australian Government and Oceania Rugby for supporting TRU and our commitment to women in rugby." 

Also at the launch was Tonga's Minister of Internal Affairs, Sangster Saulala, Gerald Thomson, First Assistant Secretary, Office of the Pacific at DFAT, with Women’s National Player representatives, including Asi Mafi from Tonga.