Oceania Rugby has officially launched the Whistles and Whiteboards Mana Moana Mentorship Programme, a new initiative designed to support the development of women coaches and match officials across the Pacific region.
The programme brings together emerging women leaders involved in rugby coaching and refereeing who will take part in a structured mentorship experience aimed at strengthening their technical skills, confidence and leadership within the game.
Participants will take part in ten webinars delivered throughout the year, hearing from leading coaches, match officials and rugby professionals from across the globe. Each session will focus on a different topic relevant to coaching, officiating and leadership within rugby, providing participants with valuable insights and practical learning opportunities.
Alongside these sessions, the women will take part in monthly small-group mentoring sessions, where they will work closely with experienced mentors to set personal goals, reflect on their progress and receive guidance to support their development journey within the sport.
A key strength of the programme is the group of highly respected mentors who bring a wealth of experience from across international rugby, coaching and match officiating. Their leadership and expertise will play an important role in supporting the participants throughout the programme.
The mentor group includes Dr Rachel Horton, Maggie Cogger-Orr, Annie Dickeson, Shirley Russell, Silei Etuale,Matilda Tigilai, and Kuini Vuli, whose collective experience across refereeing, coaching and rugby leadership provides invaluable support for the next generation of women in the game.
Women’s participation in rugby across Oceania continues to grow rapidly. However, opportunities for women to progress into coaching and officiating roles remain limited in many parts of the region. The Whistles and Whiteboards Mana Moana Mentorship Programme aims to help address this gap by investing in the development of women leaders who are already contributing to the game within their communities.
Richard Sapias, President of Oceania Rugby, said the programme represents an important investment in the future leadership of the game across the Pacific.
“Across our region we have talented women contributing to rugby in so many ways, and it is important that we continue to create opportunities that support their growth and development. Programmes like Whistles and Whiteboards help strengthen the pathways for women in coaching and match officiating while building a network of leaders who will continue to give back to the game in their communities.”
Oceania Rugby Women’s Rugby Programmes Manager Sheridan Graham-Tupaea said the programme reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening pathways for women across all areas of rugby.
“Across the Pacific we have incredibly passionate and capable women already contributing to rugby as coaches and match officials. This programme is about supporting their continued growth, building confidence in their skills, and connecting them with mentors and leaders who can help guide their journey.”
Participants selected for the inaugural programme represent a diverse group of women from across Oceania Rugby’s member unions who are actively involved in developing the game at both community and national levels.
Participants in the Whistles and Whiteboards Mana Moana Mentorship Programme include:
- Leilani Taufa – Australia
- Julieanne Westrupp – Cook Islands
- Caitlin Winslade – Australia
- Luse Vula – Fiji/Australia
- Salaima Raidaveta – Fiji
- Katarina Tawa – Fiji
- Meiling Sybil Choong – Papua New Guinea/Australia
- Lusiana Wasasala – Fiji
- Matilda Lavari – Papua New Guinea
- Cherry Barosi – Solomon Islands
- Maire Sands – New Zealand/Cook Islands
- Akosita Tikoisaineai – Fiji
- Ana Rosalini Seru – Fiji
- Bulou Raikabakaba – Fiji
- Eseta Hu’avi – Tonga
- Jessica Broadhurst – Australia
- Ema Nailevu – Fiji
- Eseta Bua – Cook Islands/Fiji
- Sereima Banuve – Fiji
- Miurrie Kiteika – Solomon Islands
- Jamie Wilson – Australia
- Kayleah Nakikus – Papua New Guinea
Through initiatives like the Whistles and Whiteboards Mana Moana Mentorship Programme, Oceania Rugby continues to strengthen pathways for women to be involved in rugby not only as players, but also as coaches, referees and leaders shaping the future of the sport across the Pacific.
The program forms part of Oceania Rugby's partnership with the Australian Government's Pacific Aus Sports program, which strengthens opportunities for women and girls in rugby across the Pacific.
