Oceania Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Harriet Tuara.
Ms. Tuara joins Oceania Rugby at a pivotal time as momentum builds towards the Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. Ms. Tuara’s appointment represents a commitment by Oceania Rugby towards driving legacy outcomes across the Pacific through strategic investment in performance, sustainability, community development, and visibility.
In her new role, Ms. Tuara will deliver initiatives focused on amplifying visibility to Pacific Islands rugby. She will oversee strategic storytelling, and support the existing communications capability building, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, media partnerships, and visibility programmes of Member Unions to showcase and amplify authentic Pacific narratives in rugby.
Ms. Tuara brings extensive experience in communications, media, digital storytelling and sports for development programming across the Pacific. Throughout her career she has led media and communications initiatives, developed digital content strategies, produced television and multimedia content, and built strong partnerships across sport and community sectors. She has also played an active leadership role in rugby development through her work with the Cook Islands Rugby Union, including as Vice President of the Union and coordinator of programmes focused on increasing opportunities for women and girls in rugby. Her unique combination of communications expertise, governance experience and deep understanding of Pacific communities makes her exceptionally well placed to lead the regional communications and visibility initiatives.
Oceania Rugby General Manager Frank Puletua welcomed the appointment.
"We are delighted to welcome Harriet to Oceania Rugby. This is an important investment in the future of Pacific rugby storytelling and representation. Harriet brings a deep understanding of the region, a passion for authentic storytelling, and the ability to build meaningful relationships across our rugby communities. We look forward to seeing Harriet elevate our Pacific communities through the platform of rugby whilst also strengthening the capabilities of our members to share their stories."
Ms. Tuara said she was honoured to join the programme and contribute to the continued growth and visibility of rugby across the Pacific.
"Pacific rugby is built on strong cultures, communities and stories that deserve to be seen and heard. I am excited to work alongside World Rugby, Oceania Rugby, our member unions and stakeholders to help amplify Pacific voices, strengthen communications capability across the region and create opportunities for future generations of Pacific storytellers."
Through her leadership, the scope of Ms. Tuara’s work will deliver regional visibility initiatives, strengthen communications and storytelling capability of Member Unions, and contribute to ensuring Pacific rugby stories are told by Pacific people.
Ms. Tuara will work closely with Oceania Rugby, World Rugby, Pacific Unions, and key programme stakeholders to support the delivery of lasting legacy outcomes for rugby across the region.
