Women's Rugby Sevens brings Pacific nations together

Assistant Defence Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Alex Hawke MP today announced that Defence will host the second Pacific Military and Police Women’s Rugby Sevens Tournament (PACMIL 7s) in Canberra.

The tournament, which will run from 25-26 October 2019, is aimed at promoting participation amongst Pacific nations.

Participating players include military and police personnel from Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.

Minister Hawke said the PACMIL Cup provided an excellent opportunity to recognise regional female military and police personnel, and the role they play in the security of their nations.

It also provided an opportunity to build relationships and networks with their regional counterparts.

“PACMIL recognises women from our Pacific nations competing in sport at an international level,” Minister Hawke said.

“It recognises the contribution they make to their nations’ Defence and Police Forces, and the value these women bring to drawing our nations closer together.

“Women from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages will be brought together through sport and competition. They will establish friendship and bonds, and gain a deeper understanding of each other.

“The importance of building these relationships is becoming increasingly clear as we continue to tackle common security challenges across the region. Working with each other helps ensure we can meet these challenges successfully,” Minister Hawke said.

Players from all eight nations will participate in community engagement, leading primary aged students through skills based rugby sessions prior to game day.

The 2019 competition will be held at the Gungahlin Enclosed Oval in Canberra, with a Community Day being run alongside the event, supported by Defence engagement teams from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force.