Rugby Australia is set to enhance the development of rugby in Samoa and other Pacific Island countries through the Veimoana Partnership, a promising initiative spanning five years aimed at elevating rugby in the region. This collaboration was discussed during a meeting between Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and Rugby Australia’s General Manager of Government Relations and Pacific Partnerships, Daniel Millis, alongside Cultural Liaison Officer Fa’alafi Pa Enari.
In an exclusive interview with the Savali Newspaper, Millis articulated the future aspirations of the partnership, emphasizing that it aims to foster a Pacific-led initiative for rugby development, benefiting not just Samoa but also Fiji and Tonga. The partnership is designed to facilitate a structured rugby exchange among these nations and is backed by funding from the Australian government.
One of the key components of the Veimoana Partnership is the establishment of a new competition that will allow Samoa to compete against Australian Super Rugby teams and the Fijian Drua. Plans are underway to form a new club rugby team in both Samoa and Tonga, which would participate in this competition.
Following a constructive discussion with the Prime Minister of Samoa, the next step involves submitting a comprehensive proposal for the Veimoana Rugby Partnership to the Australian government, which will be presented as a regional initiative by the three Pacific prime ministers. As part of their role, Rugby Australia will collaborate with regional rugby organizations like Oceania Rugby and World Rugby to shape the future of the partnership.
The estimated cost of implementing the Veimoana Partnership stands at $150 million (approximately US$105.72 million) over five years, targeting enhanced rugby competition for both men’s and women’s teams between Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Australian teams. Funding will also facilitate investments in athlete development pathways, high-performance academies, and improvements in rugby administration, coaching, and officiating.
The partnership draws inspiration from the success of the Fiji Drua, whose play has had positive repercussions for rugby in Fiji, while also stimulating economic benefits through rugby tourism. The hope is that Samoa will also establish its own Super Rugby team, creating a foundation for lasting growth in the sport.
Daniel Millis underscored the unifying power of rugby in connecting the Pacific Islands with Australia, celebrating shared heroes and achievements. The Veimoana Partnership not only aims to uplift rugby standards but also to foster closer ties among the nations through their mutual passion for the sport. This initiative represents a significant step forward, promising to enrich the rugby culture across the Pacific and provide a pathway for future generations of players.
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