FRPA Launches Leadership Workshop to Empower Women in Rugby

Fiji Rugby Players Association (FRPA) member Selita Koroi highlighted the recent launch of the Leadership Workshop on Empowering Women Rugby Players through Professional Development and its mission to support the welfare and development of rugby players in Fiji.

Ms Koroi said the workshop reflects the association’s commitment to empowering female athletes and strengthening their capacity both on and off the field.

The workshop was made possible through a $5,000 grant from Australian Awards, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

“This funding supports the delivery of two workshops in Suva, with this session being the first,” Ms Koroi said.

“We have received interest from young women in rugby, as well as referees and managers attending the workshop. This highlights a growing demand for structured development opportunities within women’s rugby.”

Aligned closely with the FRPA’s role, the workshop also focuses on building leadership skills, enhancing professional growth, and boosting participants’ confidence.

It also serves as a foundational step for the association as it begins to establish its presence and impact within Fiji’s rugby landscape.

Among the speakers at the workshop was Elenoa Ragogo-Lesuma, a psychologist with Wellness Pacific in Suva. She spoke on developing a high-performance mindset, highlighting that being an elite athlete is not just about physical performance.

Ms Lesuma said success requires a holistic approach that addresses mental wellness, cultural identity, and professional standards.

“When you wear that jersey, you represent more than yourself, and your mindset must match the responsibility that lies ahead,” Ms Lesuma said

Ms Koroi emphasised that the workshop is just the beginning, with hopes that such initiatives will play a significant role in shaping the future of young women in rugby.

“This is just the start, and it’s the first one we’ve organized. Hopefully, it will carry significant weight in the development of our young women in rugby. We are also hoping to hold another workshop so that we can maintain consistency in the professional development of our women”