Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias has highlighted the successful conclusions of a pre-Annual General Meeting (AGM) workshop recently held in Nadi, Fiji. This two-day event emphasized global rugby development and presented innovative approaches for Pacific unions to enhance participation at the grassroots and community levels.
The workshop took place the day prior to the Oceania Rugby AGM at Novotel, with sessions led by Jason Lewis from World Rugby. Sapias described the event as a vital opportunity for attendees to reflect on global trends impacting the sport. “It was a growth conference allowing us to discuss what is working well across the world, including right here in the Pacific,” he stated.
Key topics addressed during the workshop included training and education, player pathways, and new formats designed to broaden community involvement in rugby. A significant new focus mentioned by Sapias was on “T1 Rugby,” a variation akin to tag rugby. “This format allows us to include community members who may not typically engage with traditional styles of the game,” he explained.
The workshop is part of World Rugby’s “Rugby RISE” initiative, which aims to foster sustainable growth of the sport worldwide. This initiative is vital for enhancing governance structures and competition frameworks while ensuring inclusivity for all groups, particularly women and youth.
Sapias underscored that the workshop provided member unions with the chance to review their programs and share ideas on attracting greater community engagement in rugby, emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the Pacific region. He noted that initiatives like these should help strengthen cultural ties and expands rugby’s footprint in local communities.
Looking ahead, the insights gained from this workshop promise to ignite renewed efforts in Oceania Rugby to extend the sport’s reach and deepen its connections with the community, showcasing a hopeful future for rugby in the region.
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