The team was launched last week in Sydney with the Australian government partnering with Rugby Australia, Oceania Rugby, and World Rugby to support its establishment. Photo: Oceania Rugby
Samoa and Tonga have backed the new Penina Pasifika women's rugby team that will be part of the Australia Rugby's Super W competition from this year.
The team was launched last week in Sydney with the Australian government partnering with Rugby Australia, Oceania Rugby, and World Rugby to support its establishment.
Tonga Rugby Union executive Aisea Aholelei said it will be a big boost for women's rugby in the two nations.
"This is massive for Tonga women's rugby players," he said.
"A big step forward in our development of women's rugby in the islands."
Tonga Rugby introduced a women's tournament this year, which was held in January in Nuku'alofa.
It included competition in the open women's grade and the under-16 grades.
Tonga had also sent women's teams to Australia and New Zealand to compete in the under-18 grades while also continuing their participation in the Oceania Women's Rugby Championship in 2023.
Aholelei said the Nadi-based Fijiana Drua is a great example of what women's rugby can achieve in the islands.
Fijiana Drua had won the 2022 Super W title and defended that successfully in 2023.
The Samoan woman's rugby team, the Manusina, clash with Fiji. Photo: Oceania Rugby
Lakapi Samoa chief executive Vincent Fepuleai said the move will inspire more women rugby players.
"Penina Pasifika will provide massive inspiration to our current players and our young girls as it gives them not only a pathway to the national team but also a better opportunity for a career as a professional sportsperson," he said.
"Penina Pasifika provides a much-needed pathway to professionalism for female rugby players from Samoa.
"It will help grow on-island talent and provide players invaluable preparation and development opportunities.
"PacificAus Sports' ongoing support to Lakapi Samoa and the Oceania region is assisting with bringing sporting programs to life."
Samoan player Nina Foaese, who has been selected in the Penina Pasifika said Pasifika women are a force to be reckoned with within the rugby world and playing for Penina Pasifika will them an opportunity to grow as players.
"Playing for Penina Pasifika will also provide an important income through rugby to help aiga (family) back home," Foaese said.
"I know firsthand the vast talent amongst Pacific players. I am honoured to learn from Penina Pasifika coaches and to have the opportunity to appreciate each other's values and culture. I look forward to inspiring our younger sisters back home."
Penina Pasifika will play its inaugural match against the Queensland Reds on 24 February in Brisbane, followed by fixtures against the Brumbies and Waratahs on the Gold Coast in early March.
Australian support
Penina Pasifika will develop pathways for Pacific players to compete in high-level Australian rugby competitions, in turn, promoting inclusion of women and girls from across the Pacific in rugby and other sports, Rugby Australia said in a statement.
The team is funded though the Australia's PacificAus Sports program.
The Australian government is committed to supporting sport in the Pacific and further strengthening regional ties, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, said.
"The Pacific is bursting with talent. We are proud to be providing opportunities for Pacific female athletes to compete at the highest level and inspire the next generation of Pacific stars."
Rugby Australia's General Manager Women's Rugby Jilly Collins said they are delighted to welcome the Penina Pasifika to Australia as part of the 2024 Super W preseason.
"These high-quality matches will provide invaluable preparation and development opportunities for all the players involved," Collins said.
"With Australia gearing up to host the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup, it's great to play our part in the continued growth of the women's game in the Pacific."