As Samoa’s first-ever internationally certified female rugby union referee, Tofilau Avi’i Faalupega, is inspiring young girls and women across the country to pursue their sporting dreams.
Apart from being a professional referee, Avi’i is also the development officer for women’s rugby union at Lakapi Samoa where she helps to deliver the Get into Rugby PLUS program, an initiative that embeds life skills learning with rugby union to promote positive behaviour and gender equality.
“Being involved in the Get into Rugby PLUS program has been an opportunity to challenge the stereotype that rugby is only for boys and men. The core priority of this initiative is to provide more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in all aspects of the game.”
The program is delivered in partnership by Lakapi Samoa, Oceania Rugby, UN Women, Child Fund Rugby, Rugby Australia and supported by the Australian Government’s sport for development program, Team Up.
More: https://www.teamup.gov.au/stories/meet-the-team-avii-faalupega