Fiji Hosts Pacific Women in Rugby Week in Suva

Suva, Fiji – Today, Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) welcomed emerging rugby leaders from across the Pacific and Australia to Suva for the ‘Pacific Women in Rugby Week’. 

The Pacific Women in Rugby Week is a collaborative initiative between Fiji, the UK, Australia, FRU, Rugby Australia (RugbyAU), and Oceania Rugby. 

Eighteen delegates from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, and Australia have travelled to Suva for this event. Delegates will participate in peer-to-peer dialogue and masterclasses, focusing on leadership, safeguarding, commercial sponsorships, and women’s and girls’ participation in rugby.

The unprecedented growth of women’s and girls’ rugby in the Pacific highlights the urgent need for female leaders and rugby administrators to be supported and upskilled at all levels of the game. As participation continues to rise, developing a strong network of empowered women and girls who can lead and inspire the next generation of players, coaches, and referees is vital. This initiative will foster skill development and create a sustainable pathway for the future of women’s rugby in the region.

The Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program and the British High Commission in Suva are facilitating the week’s events.

Cathy Wong, FRU Board Member: “Rugby is a sport that brings a nation together. Women’s rugby is a sport that brings the community together.

This week we will see the bringing together of women from different nations to grow the community spirit of rugby. Women’s rugby in the pacific is on its way to enjoying the deserved respect, attention and support from the wider sporting community”. 

Jilly Collins, Head of Women’s Rugby at Rugby Australia: “Rugby Australia is thrilled to partner with our friends at Fiji Rugby Union to support this initiative. It provides an excellent build-up to Saturday’s Fijiana v Wallaroos test match. I look forward to participating in the week’s events and strengthening RugbyAU’s network with fantastic rugby leaders from Fiji and across the Pacific”.

Frank Puletua, CEO, Oceania Rugby: “Oceania Rugby is proud to support Women in Rugby Week and acknowledges the collective effort that has brought this important initiative to life. We extend our sincere thanks to the British High Commission in Fiji, the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports program, as well as our valued members, the Fiji Rugby Union and Rugby Australia, for their leadership and collaboration in making this week a reality. Initiatives like this align strongly with Oceania Rugby’s Rise Rugby program, which is committed to growing the women’s game and supporting the leadership and development of women across the region. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future for rugby in the Pacific”.

Nicola Noble, British Deputy High Commissioner: “In August, the Women’s Rugby World Cup takes place in England, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with such talented rugby professionals across Oceania, as leaders in women’s sport. The UK is delighted to be hosting this event and to be working in partnership with Fiji and Australia. Over the next three days, women from across the Pacific will share their unique experiences to help develop more effective, safe and inclusive sports programmes, which promote fairness, diversity and inclusion for women in sport.