NRL community programs reach new heights in Fiji
THE National Rugby League (NRL) in conjunction with the Australian Defence Force is proud to celebrate the growth of rugby league programs in Fiji, where staff recently returned from helping deliver programs to assist with the need for more skilled coaches, referees and sports trainers within the rugby league community.
During November, the NRL and the Fiji National Rugby League teams were busy conducting education and accreditation programs for more than 100 volunteers in Suva.
At the end of the week the participants successfully gained accreditations of the players across the fastest growing part of international rugby league just wonderful to see.
“The remarkable scenes that we witnessed in the Men’s tournament, with the competitiveness of the teams in the quarterfinals, semi-finals and final, and the wonderful cultural contributions that a number of teams made, showcasing rugby league in its very best light.
“As the chair of International Rugby League, I couldn’t be more grateful or proud.
“We now look forward to France 2025 and during the next three years there will be enormous opportunities to continue the growth of international rugby league, with qualifying tournaments in each in refereeing, coaching, first-aid and sports training.
NRL community manager Alan Tongue also presented the NRL’s Voice
Against Violence and State of Mind workshops to the participants.
This is the first time a State of Mind workshop has been delivered to the Pacific. Its great success will continue into the new year to ensure these workshops can continue to be delivered in the months and years to come. region of the globe.
“For the first time there will be a Women’s qualifying process, with teams from the Americas, AsiaPacific, Europe and Middle East Africa playing off in regional tournaments for berths at France 2025.
“The men’s World Cup also has a meaningful and clearly defined qualifying path, with 20 nations involved in regional tournaments to determine the seven remaining berths for France 2025.
“After the difficulties of the past few years due to COVID and travel restrictions, the opportunities for international rugby league have never been greater as we prepare for the biggest and boldest World Cup yet in France in 2025.”
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NRL Pacific program manager Michael Asensio said the NRL was delighted to partner with the Australian Defence Force to use the power of sport to bring people together. The NRL has a strong partnership with the ADF with this the sixth capacity workshop that the two organisations have worked together on across the Pacific.
To cap the week off a rugby league gala day was conducted at Bedsi Oval, Suva. This allowed the participants to put their new skills into practice while being assessed by some of rugby league’s best instructors including Tony Archer (referees), Ross Antoniolli (coaches) and Simon Morris (sports trainers).
“Vinaka vakalevu to the Australian Defence Force and NRL for providing the support to ensure these essential capacity building activities could happen,” said Fiji National Rugby League CEO, Don Natabe.
“As well as ensuring that all participants transport and accommodation costs were covered the ADF also gifted much needed rugby league resources to community clubs.” ■