Rugby League in the Pacific

The Rugby League in the Pacific funding program by the Australian Government is a $600 million initiative over ten years, with $480 million allocated through this grant program running from 2024-25 to 31 December 2034. The program aims to support the entry of a men’s Papua New Guinea (PNG) team into the National Rugby League (NRL) competition by 2028 and to support the PNG women’s team to compete in the Queensland Women’s Premiership, New South Wales Women’s Premiership, and potentially the NRLW Premiership based on readiness.

Key objectives:

• Facilitate PNG men’s team participation in the NRL by 2028.
• Support PNG women’s team participation in regional and national women’s rugby league competitions.
• Strengthen rugby league development in the Pacific region.

Target beneficiaries:

• Papua New Guinea men’s and women’s rugby league teams.
• Rugby league organizations involved in the Pacific region.

Grant opportunities include:

• NRL licence.
• PNG NRL Franchise.
• Pacific Rugby League Strategy.

Eligibility:

• Only Australian Rugby League Commission Limited and National Rugby League Limited are eligible and invited to apply.
• Other organizations are not eligible unless invited or approved by the Australian Government.

Application process:

• Applicants must meet eligibility and assessment criteria.
• Submit applications with necessary attachments to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) by specified deadlines.
• Multiple applications can be submitted focusing on different components, but total funding cannot exceed $480 million.

Key features:

• Long-term funding commitment (10 years).
• Focus on both men’s and women’s rugby league development.
• Closed non-competitive selection process with invited applicants only.
• Direct grant payments may be made to other entities proposed by eligible applicants.

Contact for inquiries: pacific.sports@dfat.gov.au