Oceania Rugby welcomed its growth Member Unions and rugby development leaders from across the Pacific to the Oceania Rugby Growth Conference 2026, held in Nadi, Fiji, from 16–17 July at the Tanoa International Hotel.
Building on the success of the inaugural conference in 2025, this year's event reinforces the shared commitment of Oceania Rugby and World Rugby to equip emerging member unions with the knowledge, practical tools and regional connections needed to strengthen rugby development and support sustainable growth across Oceania.
Oceania Rugby General Manager Frank Puletua said the conference reflects the strength of the Pacific rugby community and the value of learning from one another.
"One of our greatest strengths as a region is our willingness to share knowledge and support each other. This conference gives our unions the opportunity to come together, learn from each other's experiences and strengthen the way we develop rugby across Oceania."
Fiji Rugby Union Acting Chief Operations Officer Talemo Waqa opened the conference, welcoming delegates to Fiji and acknowledging the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening rugby across the Pacific.
"The future of rugby is strongest when we work together, share knowledge and build each other's capacity. For Fiji Rugby, the success of our game is inseparable from the success of rugby across the Pacific, and this conference provides an important opportunity for unions to share resources, experiences and innovative ideas that help lift the standard of rugby throughout our region."
World Rugby Director of Participation Jason Lewis said regional collaboration remains central to creating lasting outcomes for the game.
"World Rugby is proud to support this conference because it brings our Member Unions together to align around shared priorities. By investing in our people and strengthening partnerships, we're helping create lasting impact for rugby across Oceania."
World Rugby Partnerships Manager – Oceania David Gibson provided an overview of World Rugby's development priorities across the region, highlighting the importance of long-term investment, strong partnerships and sustainable growth in supporting member unions.
Throughout the opening day, delegates explored World Rugby development programmes, the Impact Beyond Pasifika initiative and Oceania Rugby's regional development landscape. Sessions also focused on sport for development, marketing and commercial growth, communications, competition delivery, and practical approaches to rugby development from Tier 1 unions.
Representatives from Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, American Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands and Samoa shared insights from their respective rugby environments, showcasing innovative initiatives and exchanging ideas to strengthen rugby development across the Blue Pacific.
Discussions highlighted a shared commitment to strengthening age-grade participation, enhancing domestic and regional competition pathways, investing in the development of coaches, match officials and medical personnel, and continuing to build sustainable rugby programmes that meet the unique needs of Member Unions.
As the conference continues, delegates remain united by a shared vision of building stronger organisations, empowering local leaders and creating sustainable opportunities to support the long-term growth of rugby across the Pacific.
