PacificAusSports partnership

Twenty-three-year-old Joanne Butler’s scholarship to join Australia’s ACT Brumbies has replaced the injured Samoan representative, Fa’alua Tugaga, with her selection marking a milestone for the sport in the region. 

Joanne becomes the first Papua New Guinean woman to secure a professional contract with a professional rugby team. 

By offering scholarships and creating pathways for aspiring athletes, this collaboration strives to empower women and provide them with equal opportunities to excel in rugby.

This unites over 170 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from 11 Pacific nations to prepare for Tokyo 2020. Pita Taufatofua was invited to represent Tonga at the event.

With support from the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports programme, Pacific teams and athletes will be able to train and compete in qualification events, giving them the greatest opportunity to realise their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.