Prime Minister meets with Australian Rugby League Commission

2026-03-11 - 07:49

The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polāta’ivao Fosi Schmidt met with representatives of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) on Tuesday to discuss opportunities to strengthen rugby league development in Samoa and across the Pacific. Leading the delegation was the Hon. Peter Beattie, Australian Rugby League Commissioner, accompanied by Mrs Heather Beattie. The delegation included Steve Meredith, General Manager – Wellbeing, Diversity and Performance at the National Rugby League (NRL); and Mr Simon Dawkins, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa. Discussions focused on the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, through which the Australian government is supporting an investment of AUD $250 million over ten years across Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga to strengthen rugby league development and community outcomes. Hon. Peter Beattie said the initiative will deliver programmes that support young people and communities across the region. “The Australian Rugby League Commission will work closely with in-country governments and nation federations to deliver programmes that support keeping children engaged in school..” There is also a focus on improving community health, and expanding opportunities for women and girls, reflecting Samoa’s local priorities “to create lasting impact.” Funding allocations for each participating country will be confirmed in the coming months as the ARLC finalises the programme design in consultation with the Australian Government and Pacific rugby league bodies. The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between Samoa and Australia and the shared commitment to using sport as a platform to support youth development, community wellbeing, and greater opportunities across the Pacific.