Empowering Women in Rugby: A New Era Begins in Fiji

The Oceania Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP) is taking place in Sigatoka, Fiji, gathering aspiring female sports media professionals from various Pacific nations. This initiative, backed by PacificAus Sports through the Australian Government and part of the Rise Rugby program, focuses on amplifying women’s presence in rugby commentary, reporting, and production.

Participants include eight women from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands. They are mentored by a distinguished group of industry professionals, such as rugby commentator Rikki Swannell and former Fijian players Lailanie Burnes and Kuini Vuli, who guide the aspiring journalists throughout their training.

Among the noteworthy participants are Jamie Haro from Papua New Guinea, previously recognized as one of the Emerging Leaders in Women’s Sports in the Pacific, and Gabrielle Apelu from Samoa, a trailblazer in women’s rugby. ABC International Development’s Project Manager, Sally Eeles, expressed pride in partnering with Oceania Rugby, highlighting the participants’ dedication and passion for telling the stories surrounding the sport.

Sheridan Graham-Tupaea, Oceania Rugby’s Senior Manager for Women’s Rugby Projects, emphasized the competitive selection process for the program and the immediate benefits it has on the attendees. With two Rugby World Cups coming up, she stressed the importance of showcasing and nurturing women’s talents in the region.

General Manager Frank Puletua echoed these sentiments, linking the program’s objectives with the broader aims of Oceania Rugby: to promote gender equality and celebrate the narratives that come out of Pacific rugby. The CAM participants will not only learn theoretical aspects but will also gain practical experience by covering matches at the Oceania Women’s Championship and the Oceania Under-20s Championship, also hosted in Fiji.

This initiative illustrates a concerted effort to empower women in sports across the Pacific, with similar past events, such as the upcoming Oceania U20s Challenge and local tournaments advancing participation and appreciation of women’s rugby. As the region prepares for significant competitions, there is hope that these programs will inspire a new generation of female athletes and media professionals, thereby contributing positively to the landscape of women’s sports.