Tongan international Eddie Aholelei has been appointed as a full‑time assistant forwards coach at the inaugural Queensland Reds Emerging Academy for Women, a milestone enabled by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program.
Aholelei’s elevation follows two standout seasons with Queensland, where PacificAus Sports funded his professional development. The program “fosters high‑performance opportunities for Pacific athletes and coaches in Australia,” helping Aholelei advance his coaching career while significantly contributing to women’s rugby across the region.
“PacificAus Sports program has opened up many opportunities not only for myself but for our Pasifika people — both males and females,” Aholelei told rugby.com.au. “I’m very fortunate to be part of this pathway program… all because of the PacificAus Sports program.”
As a former ‘Ikale Tahi prop with nine Test caps and over 100 first‑class games, Aholelei brings deep experience. Queensland Reds women’s high‑performance manager Nico Andrade praised his impact. “Eddie has had two really solid seasons… we are pleased he is able to take on a broader role to embed those foundations into the youth pathway”.
PacificAus Sports is a key sports diplomacy initiative of the Australian Government, funded equally for men and women, and partners with national sports organisations to support elite Pacific talent.
