Apia, Samoa – 11 September 2025 – To build on the strong rugby union ties between Samoa and Australia, an Indigenous Australian Women’s national rugby 7s team is in the country to compete at this year’s Teuila International 7s tournament.
The 2025 tour, supported by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports and Rugby Australia, follows on from last year’s visit by the First Nations men’s team and an Australian national women’s side, who both took part in Samoa’s centenary celebrations.
The Teuila International 7s, hosted annually by Lakapi Samoa, has become a showcase of Pacific rugby talent, and for the Indigenous Australian women, this marks their first-ever international tour.
The Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, or ‘Lloydies’, played a pivotal role in preparing the squad. For more than two decades, Lloydies have created pathways for young Indigenous athletes, continuing the legacy of Lloyd McDermott – the second First Nations player to represent Australia as a Wallaby.
“Having our First Nations women’s team tour Samoa for the first time is incredibly special,” said Rugby Australia’s First Nations Rugby Manager, Matthew Sonter.
“These players are representing their families, communities, and culture with pride, while also showing the next generation of young Indigenous women what’s possible through rugby.”
Among the players is team captain Renae Nona, one of our senior players at just 23 years of age, who has previously played Super W for the Queensland Reds. She said the opportunity to pull on the Lloydies jersey overseas is a dream come true.
“I’ve always looked up to the women who paved the way in rugby, and now to wear the Lloydies jersey in Samoa feels amazing,” said Johnson. “It’s about more than just playing, it’s about representing who we are, our stories, and where we come from.”
Beyond the rugby field, the tour also includes a strong community engagement program, providing players a chance to connect with Samoan communities on a deeper level – building friendships, learning from local traditions, and proudly showcasing First Nations culture in return.
Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Will Robinson, said tours like this highlight the power of sport to strengthen the Samoa–Australia relationship.
“Sport is one of the strongest bridges we have between our two countries,” Robinson said. “Through PacificAus Sports, Australia is delighted to support this historic First Nations women’s tour, which will deepen our friendship with Samoa, share culture, and open up new opportunities for young athletes. It’s about building lasting ties that go well beyond the rugby field.”
