Fiji signs up to Pacific Rugby League Partnership
John Salvado |
Fiji has officially joined the landmark Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga as the sport continues to make giant strides in the region.
Australian Rugby League Commission boss Peter Beattie was in Suva on Monday to see Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru formally sign a statement of intent in parliament.
The $250 million partnership was launched in July when Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in Brisbane with his counterparts from Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga to attend the deciding third match of the State of Origin series.
The Australian government-funded initiative is part of a wider $600 million commitment, which includes support for the entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL competition in 2028.
The funding will go towards grassroots competitions in the Pacific, establishing school rugby league programs and expanding existing violence prevention and youth programs.
There is also provision for NRL and NRLW matches to be played in Pacific island nations for the first time.
Beattie told reporters in Suva that the ARLC would work with the Fiji government, the local community and schools to deliver the programs.
“This partnership is a commitment from the Australian Rugby League Commission that we are committed to actually delivering the programs here in Fiji – that’s the significance of it,” he said.
“We are advancing the women’s game, along with the men’s game, and of course there will be hosting (of games) in the future. That has to be all worked out.
“But what’s important is what we do in schools, what we do to encourage young people to get involved, because if you’re involved in sport, you are doing some physical activity and you are healthier.”
The booming popularity of rugby league in the Pacific region will be showcased at the World Cup co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand and PNG in October-November.
AAP