Oceania Rugby

The Australian Government has partnered with Oceania Rugby through PacificAus Sports since 2022 to deliver the Rise Rugby program in Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Fiji.

The Rise Rugby program harnesses the power and popularity of rugby to address systemic barriers faced by women and girls in the Pacific region, advancing gender equality and fostering social and institutional change. 

Key objectives of the program include:

1. Empowering women as leaders and decision-makers:
   Rise Rugby provides pathways for women to assume leadership roles in rugby and beyond, equipping them with skills and opportunities to influence decisions on and off the field.
2. Strengthening pathways for female athletes:
   By enhancing opportunities for women and girls to progress through national high-performance pathways, Rise Rugby promotes excellence while creating visible role models who challenge gender stereotypes.
3. Improving governance and administrative systems:
   The program supports member unions in building inclusive governance structures, incorporating diversity measures, and adopting safeguarding practices. These improvements ensure more robust and equitable systems, contributing to sustainable development.