The Fijiana outscored the Manusina six tries to two. Photo: Oceania Rugby
Australia Rugby (ARU) continues to assist the growth of Pacific Islands Rugby despite their own internal problems, including the revamping of Team Wallabies and the expected closedown of the Melbourne Rebels rugby franchise.
Partnering with the Australian government, the ARU will deliver a four-year A$14.2 million investment to support high-performance Rugby Union across the Pacific through the Australian-Pacific Rugby Union Partnership (APRUP).
The ARU has been under attack since the 2023 Rugby World Cup where they failed for the first time to reach the quarterfinals.
That had led to the resignation of coach Eddie Jones and chairman Hamish McLennan.
Earlier this year the ARU appointed adminstrators to run the Melbourne Rebels franchise, which is now facing closure.
Despite all that the ARU and the Australian government have come out to reveal their continued support to Pacific rugby development programs.
A statement released from Canberra on Tuesday says the funding through the Australian Government's PacificAus Sports program, APRUP will create pathways to increase Pacific representation in elite rugby and strengthen Pacific national teams.
The funding can be seen as a boost for Pacific teams ahead of the 2027 men's Rugby World Cup, the 2029 women's Rugby World Cup and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The APRUP will establiush new competition pathways and provide ongoing opportunities for Pacific women and girls to take their place as champions on the rugby pitch and in their communities.
Support across the region
Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy said Australia and Pacific Islands nations are family, with an enduring history and shared values, which is underscored by a love of rugby that brings us even closer together.
"The Australian Government is proud to be furthering our partnership with Rugby Australia through PacificAus Sports to give Pacific rugby teams and athletes opportunities to compete at the highest levels in Australia. Crucially, this funding will support pathways for girls and women to shine on and off the field," he said.
"In addition to enabling the success of the Fijian Drua and Penina Pasifika, this partnership has provided unique opportunities for engagement at community, national and regional levels, deepening our people-to-people links and our close regional ties."
Former Wallaby and ARU chief executive Phil Waugh said they are confident the new partnership will unite Australia and the Pacific in rugby.
"It will create new pathways for Pacific and Australian rugby players and staff to play, train, and develop together at the highest levels of our game," Waugh said.
"We have committed to working with World Rugby, Oceania Rugby, and our Pacific Union partners to expand PacificAus Sports rugby opportunities across the region, particularly for emerging Pacific women's rugby players.
"The government's investment is a testament to the strength of rugby in our region."
Shonté To'a the captain of the new Penina Pasifika women's team in the Australian Super W competition, says the funding has helped set up the team.
"PacificAus Sports' support for Penina Pasifika will inspire girls back home to start their own rugby journey," she said.
"It is an investment back into our people and our potential. We are so grateful for this opportunity."
Ramsey Tomokino, Head Coach of Manusina (Samoa's National Women's Team) Australia's assistance will go a long way to help women's rugby in the region.
"PacificAus Sports' investment into the islands will back our Pasifika girls to play internationally and provide a genuine pathway that will reap massive rewards over this four-year programme," she said.
"We look forward to seeing our Pasifika women and girls represent our Islands as a collective on a bigger platform."
The funding over the four years ahead will focus on supporting the Fijian Drua on their continued participation in Super Rugby Pacific and Australia's Super Rugby Women's competition, establishing the PacificAus Sports Rugby Academy to provide Pacific rugby staff with access to elite Australian training and expertise, establishing the Penina Pasifika to compete in Super Rugby Women's pre-season competition, enhancing the national women's sevens programs in Samoa and the Solomon Islands and increase opportunities for Australian sporting engagement in the Pacific through ongoing Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women's fixtures in Fiji and other Pacific countries.
The funding will also help Pacific Unions host other major fixtures between Pacific and Australian teams and to join regional tournaments.