Australia has provided a boost for Pacific’s women rugby with the establishment of Penina Pasifika rugby team, a mix of Tongan and Samoan young women.

The Australian Government partnered -up with Rugby Australia, Oceania Rugby, and World Rugby to support the establishment of the Penina Pasifika.

The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Hon Pat Conroy MP said, “The Australian Government is committed to supporting sport in the Pacific and further strengthening our close regional ties. The Pacific is bursting with talent we are proud to be providing opportunities for Pacific female athletes to compete at the highest level and inspire the next generation of Pacific stars."

“We wish Penina Pasifika the best of luck in the preseason tournament for the premier women’s rugby in the Pacific, Super W.”

Tonga Rugby Union

Tonga Rugby Union, CEO Aisea Aholelei said the Penina Pasifika would provide massive inspiration to current players and young girls in Tonga, as it gives them not only a pathway to the national team but also a better opportunity for a career as a professional sportsperson.

The Penina Pasifika team will develop pathways for Pacific players to compete in high-level Australian rugby competitions, in turn, promoting inclusion of women and girls from across the Pacific in rugby and other sports. The team is funded though the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program.

Building on the success of the Fijiana Drua’s Super W Championship titles in 2022 and 2023, Penina Pasifika will compete in Rugby Australia’s Super W preseason competition and feature the best up-and-coming rugby talent from other parts of the Pacific, in particular Samoa and Tonga. 

Penina Pasifika will play its inaugural match versus the Queensland Reds on 24 February in Brisbane, followed by fixtures against the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs on the Gold Coast in early March.

Final team selection:

Loosehead:
Jacqui Aiono SAMOA
Peleoaiga Loto SAMOA

Hooker:
Cathy Leuta SAMOA
Petasi Saluni TONGA
Avau Filimaua SAMOA

Tighthead:
Glory Aiono SAMOA 
Isadora Laupola SAMOA
Melefehi Tulikihakau TONGA

Lock:
Vineta Teutau TONGA
Eseta  Vuki TONGA
Fogamanono Tusiga SAMOA 
Manutalaaho Havili TONGA 
Sokopeti Akau'ola TONGA

Blindside:
Alyce Solaese SAMOA

Openside:
Iunaise Fakahua TONGA
Taalili Iosefo SAMOA
Nina Foaese SAMOA

Halfback:
Chyanne Takau TONGA
Ana Ngahe TONGA

Flyhalf:
Shonte To'a TONGA 
Mele Sinai Aho TONGA
Lutia Colaumua SAMOA 
Michelle Curry SAMOA

Inside Centre:
Fa'asua Makisi SAMOA 
Lavinia Tauhalaliku TONGA

Outside Centre:
Soloi Finau SAMOA
Moana Courtenay TONGA

Right Wing:
Linda Fiafia SAMOA

Fullback:
Sailiai Pau SAMOA
Loketi Mahoni TONGA