The Women's 7s program recently held a Culture Day, an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity within the team - a powerful initiative led by Rugby Sevens Players Development Manager, Ashleigh Fong and National Cultural Leadership Manager and Wallabies Player Development Manager, Moana Leilua.
The session started with an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by co-captain Madison Ashby, followed by powerful storytelling from Rhani Hagan, speaking of her connection to culture as a proud Quandamooka and Kullilli woman. Kenz Davis, a proud Dunghutti woman, spoke about her experiences growing up in Sydney and how she strengthened her understanding of culture through her mother. Moana Leilua, the National Cultural Leadership Manager and Wallabies PDM at RUPA, delivered a cultural connect education session for the staff and players, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity in sport and in the women's 7s team. The session was delivered with a Pasifika lens with Pasifika players proudly make up 36% of the squad. Moana challenged the group to make consistent and meaningful commitments both in their day to day and touring environments to foster culturally inclusivity and connection.
The group heard from Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea who expressed her ongoing pride in her Tongan and Samoan heritage, and shared what it was like for her growing up in New Zealand and then moving to Australia. The players and staff were noticeably energised from Alysia's story, playing a very competitive game of Poi Rakau led by Kiiahla Duff, with Tia Hinds being crowned the winner. The staff and players played Guess Who and trivia games developed around the team members' cultural backgrounds, before hearing from co-captain, Bella Nasser, and her understanding and pride around her Lebanese and Irish heritage. At the end of the session, the group came together to have lunch, with players bringing in a dish from their culture or a dish they grew up with. A special congratulations needs to go to Kiiahla Duff and Kenz Davis who did a fantastic job planning and delivering the session.
Kenz mentioned, "We had such a great day spending time together, celebrating and sharing our culture. It's a great start in the right direction to learn more about ourselves and each other, which ultimately, will make us stronger as a group."
The day was engaging and thought-provoking, with a noticeable sense of pride in the room. Players and staff are looking forward to embedding more cultural awareness and engagement opportunities, and are committed to promoting culturally inclusive spaces.
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