The Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports will continue to assist the Swire Shipping Fijian and Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua teams in the next three years.

This was confirmed to SUNsports by Australia’s Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council chair, Stephanie Brantz.

Brantz said they were excited to support the teams after the Fijiana’s achievement in winning the Super W title in their debut year.

“The Australia Government is committed in supporting the Fijiana Drua and the men’s as well in the next three years of competition,” she said.

“This will be in facilitating them in their involvement in the Australian competition and it’s wonderful to have them there to see what they bring into the competition.

“We are delighted to be able to give such momentum to what you can see from this programme.

“The Fijiana have become everyone’s favorite team in Australia.

“In Australia, teams didn’t know what to expect as they came out and beat our team which was sad.

“They played with such joy and happiness with skills that were so amazing.

“We are proud to be part of their journey as they continue to inspire girls to play rugby.

“These girls are superstars and their performance inspire the next group of talented girls.

 Career pathway

“It’s been interesting to see the development of sports and rugby in women.

“20 years ago, rugby cannot make a career out of a female athlete.

“Now there is a platform for women to grow and develop as players of admiration.

“The Australia Government is delighted to support the growth of Fijian women through sports.

“Getting into Rugby (GiR) and Rugby Plus is actually the programme through Team Plus, this is funded through the Australian Government.

“It is a development programme, it’s not about rugby skills but life skills including primary to secondary schools.”

Meanwhile, the Rooster Chicken Fijiana XVs are expected to resume training this week.

Feedbacks: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj