The Australian government has announced the establishment of a Pacific Rugby League Partnership aimed at strengthening sports connections across the Pacific region, particularly in Fiji. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled this initiative alongside the announcement of Papua New Guinea’s successful bid to join the National Rugby League (NRL) competition by 2028.
The ten-year partnership will allocate approximately $34 million AUD (around $25 million) annually to support grassroots, school, and talent development programs for rugby league in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea. This investment is set to enhance primary and secondary school rugby, improve coaching and training opportunities, and significantly bolster women’s and girls’ rugby league participation.
Additionally, the partnership aims to bring elite rugby league events to Fiji, following the success of hosting the Pacific Championships and a pre-season NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Newcastle Knights earlier this year. This initiative builds on over 25 years of Australian government investments in sports development in the Pacific.
Through PacificAus Sports, the Australian government has continued its support for Fijian sports, collaborating with the Fijian Drua teams in both men’s and women’s leagues, assisting the Kaiviti Silktails in the NSW Jersey Flegg rugby league competition, and helping Fiji’s athletes in their preparation for upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This partnership holds the potential to invigorate rugby league in the Pacific, providing valuable opportunities for athletes and promoting a vibrant sports culture in the region.
Summary: The Australian government has launched a Pacific Rugby League Partnership set to invest $34 million annually to enhance rugby league programs in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted its benefits for grassroots and elite pathways, particularly for women’s rugby. This initiative builds on 25 years of Australian sports development efforts in the Pacific and aims to bring elite rugby events to the region.
Leave a comment