A Pacific Rugby League Partnership was announced by the Australian government aimed at deepening sporting connections across the Pacific including Fiji.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement alongside the revelation of Papua New Guinea’s successful bid in joining the NRL competition by 2028.
The ten-year Pacific Rugby League Partnership will provide approximately $34million (AUD25 million) per year in support of grassroots, school, talent and elite pathway programs for rugby league in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.
The program will expand primary and high school programs, improve training and coaching opportunities, and include strong investment in girls and women’s rugby league.
It is also expected to bring elite rugby league games in Fiji following success shared co-host of the Pacific Championships in Suva, and the NRL pre-season match between the Melbourne Storm and the Newcastle Knights earlier this year.
This new partnership incorporates and builds upon 25 years of Australian Government sports for development investments in the Pacific.
This year through PacificAus Sports, we have continued our sporting partnership with the Fijian Drua women and men, the Kaiviti Silktails’ participation in the NSW Jersey Flegg rugby league competition, supported Fiji’s athletes to qualify and prepare for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and partnered with Fijian sporting organisations to improve access to elite pathways.
