Rugby Australia has confirmed a partnership with the Australian Government, Oceania Rugby and World Rugby in the establishment of the Penina Pasifika Women's side.
The team will compete in the Super Rugby W preseason competition, made up of players from across the Pacific, especially Samoa and Tonga.
They will play their inaugural match against the Queensland Reds on February 24 before facing the ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs in early March.
"We are delighted to welcome the Penina Pasifika to Australia as part of the 2024 Super W preseason. These high-quality matches will provide invaluable preparation and development opportunities for all the players involved," RA's GM of Women's Rugby Jilly Collins said.
"Rugby Australia extends its gratitude for the generous support provided through our partnership with PacificAus Sports for making this tour possible.
"With Australia gearing up to host the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup, it's great to play our part in the continued growth of the women’s game in the Pacific.”
The team is funded through the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program.
It comes off the success of the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby W competition, entering this year as defending champions.
“The Australian Government is committed to supporting sport in the Pacific and further strengthening our close regional ties," Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy said.
“The Pacific is bursting with talent – we are proud to be providing opportunities for Pacific female athletes to compete at the highest level and inspire the next generation of Pacific stars.
“We wish Penina Pasifika the best of luck in the preseason tournament for the premier women’s rugby in the Pacific, Super W.”
“Our Pasifika women are a force to be reckoned with within the rugby world. Playing for Penina Pasifika will give us an opportunity to grow as players and allow our women to express themselves on the field," Samoan and Penina Pasifika player Nina Foaese added.
“Playing for Penina Pasifika will also provide an important income through rugby to help aiga (family) back home.
“I know firsthand the vast talent amongst Pacific players. I am honoured to learn from Penina Pasifika coaches and to have the opportunity to appreciate each other’s values and culture. I look forward to inspiring our younger sisters back home.”
