First Nations Women’s Team Make Strong Debut at Teuila 7s

September 12, 2025

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Day one of the Teuila International 7s delivered exciting rugby, with the First Nations international women’s team making an impressive debut in their first appearance in Samoa.

The side recorded two wins from three matches, opening with a default win over the Savai’i Queens (absent), before producing a dominant 53–0 result against the Tāne Queens.

Their final pool match was a tough battle against the Striders, narrowly going down 12–15.

Captain Renae Nona shared her team’s experience so far in Samoa: “Overall it’s been really good, the girls have connected well off the field, and while we’re still finding our footing on the field, we’re learning with each game..

“We feel fortunate to be the only international team here, and it’s been great to test ourselves against the Samoan sides. It’s the same rugby, but with different styles, they’re definitely more physical, and we’ve just been learning from each other..

“This tour is a stepping stone for us and hopefully the beginning of more opportunities to play in the Pacific.”

The women’s competition at the Teuila 7s is split into two pools of four teams.

The First Nations side finished second in their Pool A and will contest the quarterfinals tomorrow against an opponent from Pool C. Pool C is topped by local side No Idea, which featured three recently returned Manusina XV players, including Linda Fiafia.

Speaking on her participation at the Teuila 7s tournament on the first day, Fiafia said, “I wanted to help and share with my team the knowledge that I learnt from the World Cup especially with the younger girls..

“It’s really good that the First Nations team from Australia is here in Samoa to play with us so that we can also gain some new competition and the experience will help our girls as well.”

The Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, together with Rugby Australia, is proud to have supported the Manusina XV’s campaign at the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup, and to continue building pathways for rugby development and stronger connections between Samoa and Australia through the participation of the First Nations team in this year’s Teuila International 7s tournament.

The tour has also been about more than rugby. The First Nations girls were warmly welcomed with an Ava ceremony at Leififi College yesterday, followed by a rugby clinic with students, an opportunity to connect with young Samoans, share their knowledge, and experience Samoan culture.

Daniel Millis, Head of Pacific Partnerships at Rugby Australia, said the visit was an example of how sport can build stronger ties.

“Through rugby we’re not only creating opportunities for players, but also deepening the friendship between our two countries. Experiences like these show the power of sport to connect people and cultures.”