Uplifting Rugby: A New Era of Safety and Respect in Oceania

Teams participating in the upcoming Oceania U20s Challenge and the Oceania Rugby Women’s XV Championship have engaged in important safeguarding workshops facilitated by the Oceania Rugby Get Into Rugby Plus team. Among those who benefited from these sessions are the SportsWorld Fiji U20 and the Vodafone Fijiana XV, both of which are gearing up for significant matches this week.

These workshops are an essential part of Oceania Rugby’s commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all participants, including players and officials. Oripa Lee, the National Coordinator and leader of the Safeguarding team, highlighted that these sessions aim to build awareness around the five core values of rugby: integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect. These values not only enhance the sporting experience but are also crucial in preventing violence and abuse in the broader community.

A particularly important aspect of the workshop was discussing the distinctions between gender and sex characteristics. Lee pointed out that cultural gender roles can often hinder women’s participation and make them more susceptible to abuse. She emphasized the need for a supportive environment where women can feel empowered to speak up and seek help when needed.

This initiative aligns with previous discussions led by Tirani Uluinakauvadra, Oceania Rugby’s Participation and Pathway Manager, who has stressed the urgent need for a proactive approach to safeguarding in sports, indicated by various workshops focused on abuse prevention. Uluinakauvadra reaffirmed that creating a safe sporting environment must be prioritized and supported by leadership at all levels.

The commitment to safeguarding reflects a broader recognition within the sports community of the necessity for education and awareness to combat abuse effectively. By cultivating a culture of respect and safety, these initiatives are paving the way for a healthier and more inclusive sporting experience for everyone involved.

Through these ongoing efforts, there is a hopeful outlook for the future of sports culture, one where safety and respect take precedence, fostering environments where all participants can thrive without fear of violence or abuse.