The Australian government has announced a new initiative called the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, aimed at strengthening sporting relationships across the Pacific, specifically in nations such as Fiji. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared this announcement, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s successful bid to join the National Rugby League (NRL) as a participant by 2028.
This partnership, which spans ten years, will allocate about $34 million AUD (equivalent to $25 million) annually to support grassroots initiatives, school programs, and elite talent pathways for rugby league in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea. A key focus will be on enhancing primary and high school rugby programs, expanding training and coaching resources, and significantly investing in girls’ and women’s rugby league.
One of the anticipated outcomes of this partnership is the opportunity to host elite rugby league matches in Fiji. This follows the successful co-hosting of the Pacific Championships in Suva, along with the NRL pre-season match featuring the Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights that took place earlier this year.
The new partnership builds upon over 25 years of the Australian Government’s investments in sports development across the Pacific, with continued collaboration evident through initiatives like PacificAus Sports. This year, significant support has been provided to the Fijian Drua teams, the Kaiviti Silktails’ participation in the New South Wales Jersey Flegg rugby league competition, and assistance to Fijian athletes in their preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This initiative symbolizes a positive step forward for rugby league in the Pacific region, fostering not just sports development but also community involvement and empowerment through athletics. It also highlights the importance of inclusivity in sports, especially for women and girls, paving the way for a brighter future in the realm of rugby league across these nations.
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