Representatives from the Tonga Rugby Union and New Zealand Rugby recently concluded Team Management and Event Management training in Vava’u and Ha’apai, an initiative aimed at upskilling women in the outer islands to manage and run women’s and girls’ rugby programs in the future.
The training, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), saw Aina Kavaliku, Tonga Rugby Union’s Event Manager, deliver the Event Management sessions, while Rebecca Stanaway, Team Manager for the Farah Palmer Cup Team and North Harbour Rugby, led the Team Management training.

Both sessions were well-attended by women and men eager to develop their skills in these areas.
During the visit to Vava’u, Stanaway, who is also a referee in New Zealand, officiated a men’s premier competition game, marking the first time a woman refereed in Vava’u.

Eseta Huavi, Tonga Rugby Union’s Development Officer, also delivered a Level 1 World Rugby coaching course.
The training will end with a girls’ U14 and U16 rugby tournament on both islands, providing participants an opportunity to put their newly acquired skills into action.