Rugby Australia is dedicated to promoting the growth of rugby in Samoa and other Pacific Island nations with the establishment of the Veimoana Partnership, a significant five-year initiative aimed at advancing the sport in the region. Central to this partnership are discussions between Samoa’s Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, and Rugby Australia’s General Manager of Government Relations and Pacific Partnerships, Daniel Millis, along with Cultural Liaison Officer Fa’alafi Pa Enari.
Millis shared his hopeful outlook on the partnership during an interview with the Savali Newspaper, highlighting collaborative efforts with governments and rugby organizations from Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. This unified approach aims to develop a rugby framework led by the Pacific community, tailored to meet its specific needs.
“The new partnership model will enhance rugby exchanges among our nations and will receive support from the Australian government,” Millis stated. A key element of this initiative includes the creation of a novel rugby competition that will align with the existing Super Rugby Australia schedule, positioning Samoa to compete against Super Rugby teams from Australia and the Fijian Drua. The proposal also foresees the formation of club rugby teams in both Samoa and Tonga to participate in this competition.
Following a fruitful dialogue with Samoa’s Prime Minister, the next step will be to formalize the Veimoana Rugby Partnership proposal, which is expected to be submitted to the Australian government. This proposal is set to be developed through a cooperative regional effort involving the prime ministers of Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, creating a pathway for future negotiations with Australia.
Rugby Australia’s engagement extends beyond partnership; they aim to collaborate closely with Oceania Rugby and World Rugby to shape the Veimoana Partnership, exploring future possibilities through 2027 and beyond, depending on funding approvals.
The Veimoana Partnership is estimated to have a budget of $150 million (approximately US$105.72 million) over five years, which is anticipated to significantly support rugby initiatives across the region. The funding will focus on enhancing competitive opportunities for both men’s and women’s rugby among Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Australian teams.
Additionally, it aims to invest in avenues such as high-performance academies and essential off-field roles including rugby administration and coaching. Millis cited Fiji as a successful model, demonstrating how the creation of the Fiji Drua boosted national rugby and yielded economic advantages, generating around $120 million in revenue last year through home matches.
The ultimate goal is for Samoa to create its own Super Rugby team, which would not only elevate local rugby but also promote rugby tourism, positively impacting hotels and resorts in the area. Millis emphasized rugby as a unifying element among the Pacific nations and Australia, fostering shared achievements and cultural ties.
This promising partnership heralds a significant opportunity for Samoa to strengthen its rugby foundation, amplify the sport’s presence in the Pacific, and foster regional connections through a shared passion for rugby. With enthusiastic support and collaboration, the future looks bright for rugby in the Pacific Island nations.