Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) staff and members were honoured to meet with the Patron of Women’s Rugby, Her Excellency Hon. Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano, to present the progress of women’s rugby in the Kingdom, especially the achievements and the success of the DFAT Rise Rugby programme.
The Rise Rugby Programme has played a key role in expanding women’s and girls’ rugby through player development camps, community and school programmes, coach and match official education, leadership development, and initiatives that promote gender equity and inclusion and create jobs for women and girls behind the scene.
The programme has also supported TRU in building stronger systems and pathways, contributing to milestones such as the return of girls’ rugby in secondary schools, putting two female with voting rights on the board, embed gender equity and safeguarding across all Tonga Rugby Union policies, governance, programmes, and operations to ensure a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for everyone involved in the game and the continued growth of the women’s game across the Kingdom.
Her Excellency’s encouragement, leadership, and unwavering support continue to inspire our players, coaches, and the wider rugby community.
TRU sincerely thanks Her Excellency for her ongoing commitment to advancing women’s rugby, creating more opportunities for girls and women to participate, and helping build a stronger future for our sport.
