Australian First Nation’s men’s team and the Australia A women’s team will participate in Lakapi Samoa’s Teuila International 7s tournament this weekend. 

The Australian Government has partnered with Rugby Australia to commemorate 100 years of rugby in Samoa by supporting the participation of the teams. 

Supported by PacificAus Sports, Rugby Australia will collaborate with the Llyod McDermott Foundation to form a First Nations team comprised of Indigenous players from communities across Australia. The Llyod McDermott Foundation is renowned for its commitment to providing opportunities for Indigenous Australians through rugby and promoting sportsmanship, leadership, and community engagement.

"PacificAus Sports continues to unite Australia and the South Pacific Nations through a shared passion for rugby. Rugby Australia is delighted to partner with the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team to bring together a First Nations Men's team to join our Australian A Women’s team in representing Australia and celebrating 100 years of Rugby Union in Samoa at the Teuila International 7s," said Phil Waugh, the Chief Executive Officer for Rugby Australia. 

"Rugby Australia has worked alongside ‘’Lloydies’’ since it was established more than two decades ago to increase participation and opportunities for First Nations people through Rugby. Our Australian teams are excited to engage with our Samoan rugby family, and we thank the government for its ongoing support for Pacific Rugby Union."

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase emerging First Nations rugby talent on an international stage, with the playing group coming from all corners of the country. First Nations diplomacy significantly strengthens the enduring and profound connections between First Nations people and the Pacific Islands. 

This investment reflects the Australian Government’s continuous commitment to partnering with Rugby Australia and the national unions of the Pacific to deepen sporting connections between Australia and the Pacific. 

“The Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team will proudly serve as First Nations ambassadors on this international trip, representing their families, communities, and the beautiful places we call home," said Matthew Sonter the Director of Llyod McDermott Foundation.

“This opportunity allows us to highlight the next wave of Indigenous rugby talent. Many of our players have ambitions to represent Australia at the highest level, and this is the perfect platform to showcase their abilities”. “Who knows—tournaments like this could help us unearth the next Mark, Glen, or Garry Ella. We’re also excited to have three Aboriginal brothers, the Oats boys from QLD, joining us on this trip. Perhaps history will repeat itself!”

The teams had already interacted in some activities with the local communities. The First Nations men’s team went out to Siumu and the women’s team joined Team-Up partners yesterday at friendship park for youth.