The rugby world welcomed its newest team last weekend, in the form of Samoa and Tonga formed women’s side Penina Pasifika. The players had only been training together for one week, before they took on 2023 Super Rugby Women’s finalists Queensland Reds, for a pre-season contest in Brisbane.
The two Pacific Island nations sides have banded together, in a cooperative push to increase the growth of the women’s game in the Oceanic region. Penina Pasifika took on Reds in Ballymore, and although the debutants were defeated 17-7, it was an impressive first showing against the Super Rugby outfit. Penina even took a 7-5 lead into half-time, which both impressed and suprised the spectators in the Western Australia stadium.
Penina coach Eddie Aholelei said that he couldn’t be prouder of his team and their inaugural hit-out. Speaking to Tongan news outlet Matangi Tonga Online, Aholelei said;
“To come in for one week and put in the performance they did today was awesome.”
“Imagine how good they’re going to be after more time together”
Penina captain Nina Foaese said, “We’ve only had a week together and we’re only going to get better so I’m proud of the girls and for what comes next.”
The captain also said she was excited to go one step further when the Pearls tackle NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies over the coming weeks.