Pacific Sport for Development Leaders Share Expertise in Laos

Pacific sport for development leaders are gaining increasing recognition for their expertise, as highlighted during a knowledge exchange visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic from May 26–30, which brought together experts from Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.

Among the participants were Fiji-based Tihrani Uluinakauvadra, Oceania Rugby’s Manager for Rugby Participation and Pathway Programs, and Toluiva Keneti, Lakapi Samoa’s National Development Manager. Both play key roles in overseeing the Australian Government-supported Get into Rugby PLUS programs in Fiji and Samoa.

With support from PacificAus Sports and Rugby Australia, Tihrani and Toluiva joined other Pacific sport for development leaders in Laos to engage with and contribute to the long-running Pass It Back program. This initiative, which has been operating for over a decade, served as the original inspiration for the Get into Rugby PLUS program in the Pacific.

While in Laos, they shared insights from the Pacific context while also taking the time to support the Lao national rugby team with some coaching sessions. 

“Being part of this exchange was a great opportunity to learn, share, and collaborate with other Pacific leaders and our Lao counterparts. I was particularly excited to see innovative monitoring and evaluation tools in action, which could strengthen how we track the impact of Get into Rugby PLUS. Coaching a session with the Lao national rugby team was also a highlight, and it was inspiring to see more young girls in Laos enjoying the sport and gaining confidence through rugby. This exchange has also provided valuable opportunity to critically reflect on and evaluate the Oceania Rugby Sport for Development program in comparison to Pass It Back program model. It has highlighted key similarities and differences, offering insights that can inform future improvements and strategic alignment within our own initiatives,” Tihrani shared.

According to Toluiva, the exchange was a perfect opportunity to connect with women from Laos and see firsthand the shared challenges and progress being made through rugby.

“As a woman working in sport for development, this exchange really meant a lot. It was amazing to connect with other women in Laos who are going through similar challenges and making real progress. Seeing their passion and how much they’ve achieved was so motivating. It’s given me a renewed sense of appreciation of why we work in sport for development and the impact it brings to our communities and people in Samoa.”

Viengsamai Souksavanh, CEO of the Lao Rugby Federation and one of the youngest female CEO in the Asia-Pacific region, said “This exchange was a truly valuable experience. It provided a meaningful opportunity for us to share and learn from one another. I hope this is just the beginning of more collaboration with the Pacific.”

Daniel Millis, Rugby Australia’s Pacific Partnerships Manager, shared how the exchange was a powerful example of regional collaboration and about supporting the Pacific with their own sports diplomacy initiative globally. 

“It’s fantastic to support Pacific voices to extend their expertise internationally. Leaders like Tihrani and Toluiva are proving that the Pacific are not just participating in sport for development, they’re leading it. Thanks to the Australian Government’s investments through Team Up and PacificAus Sports, we’re seeing Pacific sports leadership, innovation, and impact reach global levels. This visit also very much about supporting Pacific sports diplomacy in sharing their expertise and telling their rugby success stories internationally.”