Rugby League Samoa proudly welcomes the signing of the historic Rugby League Pacific Strategy, marking a new era for rugby league development across the Pacific and reaffirming a shared commitment to empowering communities through sport.
The landmark agreement was signed today by the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, Samoa Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polāta’ivao Fosi Schmidt and Tonga Prime Minister Hon Lord Fatafehi Fakafānua and represents a significant regional investment designed to strengthen grassroots rugby league while improving health, education, leadership, and community wellbeing throughout Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea.
Hon. Prime Minister of Samoa, 𝐋𝐚’𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐥ā𝐭𝐚’𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐢 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐭, signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Samoa.
The initiative is supported by a dedicated 𝐀𝐔𝐃 $𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, focused exclusively on expanding grassroots rugby league, strengthening educational pathways, promoting healthier communities, and creating sustainable opportunities for young people across the Pacific.
Speaking following the signing, the Prime Minister described the partnership as a transformational investment in the future of Pacific youth.
“This strategic partnership is an investment in our people. It will strengthen grassroots sport, improve health and education outcomes, and create opportunities for young Samoans to develop their talents while remaining connected to their families, villages, and communities.
“Together, we are building stronger communities and inspiring the next generation.”
For Samoa, the Rugby League Pacific Strategy will deliver long-term investment through three key priority areas:
- 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
Upgrading existing rugby league grounds and developing modern high-performance training facilities that provide safe and world-class environments for athletes and local communities.
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐭ū 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐚 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
Establishing elite junior development academies to identify, develop, and nurture emerging rugby league talent, providing structured pathways from grassroots participation through to international competition.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
Delivering village, community and school-based programmes that use rugby league to promote healthy lifestyles, youth leadership, education, inclusion, and positive community engagement.
The strategy reflects a shared vision of strengthening regional cooperation while delivering meaningful social, economic, and sporting outcomes for Pacific nations.
The President of Rugby League Samoa described the agreement as one of the most significant milestones in the organisation’s history.
“Today’s signing represents a defining moment for rugby league in Samoa. This historic regional commitment ensures our young people will have access to quality coaching, modern facilities, and internationally recognised development pathways. More importantly, it demonstrates the power of rugby league to strengthen communities, inspire future generations, and create lasting opportunities for our nation.”
Planning and implementation of facility upgrades and academy development will commence this year, with Rugby League Samoa working closely alongside the Australian Rugby League Commission, the National Rugby League [N.R.L.], and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade [D.F.A.T.] to ensure the successful delivery of the programme and maximise its long-term impact across Samoa.
Rugby League Samoa believes rugby league is far more than a sport. It is a powerful platform for building healthier communities, developing future leaders, strengthening national pride, and creating opportunities that will benefit generations of Samoans to come.
