The Kaiviti Silktails side has secured another partnership deal to compete in the NSWRL competitions this year, thanks to funding assistance from the Australian Government under the PacificAus Sports program.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka launched the partnership at Lautoka’s Churchill Park this afternoon.
PM Rabuka said the ongoing partnership will continue to develop high-performance rugby league in Fiji.
“Rugby league has continued to grow leaps and bounds in the last 20 or so years as far as Fiji is concerned. We continue to thank the Australian Government for its ongoing support,” he said.
“This sports diplomacy between Fiji and Australia under the Vuvale Partnership is very beneficial for our sportspeople and improves our national teams greatly. Vinaka Vakalevu Australia.”
In a statement, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy said, “the Albanese Government is thrilled to renew our partnership with the NSWRL through PacificAus Sports”.
“This will allow the Kaiviti Silktails to keep playing in elite competition, which is great news for rugby league in Australia and Fiji.”
The partnership will enhance pathways to elite competition for Fijian rugby league athletes and enable the development of local coaches, match officials, and support staff.
It will also create more opportunities for the next generation of Fijian sporting stars, and highlight Australia and Fiji’s shared love of rugby league as a means to further strengthen our sporting, cultural, and community connections.
In attendance at the event were the Minister for Education, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Jese Saukuru and Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Ewen McDonald.
Following the formalities, the Silktails side took on the Penrith Panthers.
