A team of Tonga and New Zealand Rugby Union officials delivered a Team and Event Management training in the outer islands of Ha’apai and Vava’u, on the last week of October.

The program aimed to upskill women in the outer islands so that they are equipped and able to manage girls and women’s teams in the future.

“The training sessions were well attended in both islands and included both women and men interested in developing their knowledge and skills in these two important disciplines,” stated Tonga Rugby Union.

The Event Management training was delivered by TRU’s Event Manager, Aina Kavaliku. The Team Management training was delivered by the North Harbour Rugby Union, Farah Palmer Cup Team Manager, from New Zealand, Rebecca Stanaway.

Rebecca, who is also a New Zealand Referee, helped out with refereeing a men’s premier competition, making her the first woman referee to officiate a game in the island.

TRU Development Officer, Eseta Huavi, delivered a Level 1 World Rugby coaching course as an addition to the training program.

The training be followed by a girls U14 and U16 tournament on both islands, which kicks off on the 7 December.