APIA, Samoa – Seleagaia Toluiva Keneti, has been appointed Rugby National Development Manager at Lakapi Samoa, marking a significant milestone in her career and a testament to her tireless dedication to the sport. Toluiva’s work has not only advanced rugby in Samoa but has also championed safeguarding and gender equality, transforming the sport into a platform for social change.
Her leadership has been pivotal in launching the safeguarding and protection training programme in partnership with Lakapi Samoa, Oceania Rugby, UN Women, and other key stakeholders. The programme, which began in 2019, integrates rugby activities with lessons on gender equality, aiming to address violence against women and promote respect and inclusivity in sports.
“We don’t just want our players to be safe; we also want our coaches to safeguard themselves [and others],” Toluiva emphasized.
Under her leadership, over 20 coaches have been trained to create safe environments for secondary school students aged 13 to 17. Teachers like Fetaiai Gauta Mareko and school leaders such as Fetuao Eli Tamala have praised the programme’s impact, noting its role in fostering respect, discipline, and safety in sports.
Toluiva’s work has been particularly transformative for women in rugby, challenging traditional gender roles and empowering women as players, coaches, and leaders. “Through this training, we’ve been able to challenge traditional gender roles and promote a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment,” she shared.
As she steps into her new role, Toluiva plans to introduce safeguarding policies that include mandatory training, a code of conduct, and certification for rugby administrators. “This journey is about more than just rugby; it’s about using sport to create lasting social change,” she said.
Toluiva credits the success of these initiatives to the collaborative support of organizations such as UN Women, Oceania Rugby, and Lakapi Samoa, as well as the broader Samoan community.
Her appointment marks a new chapter in her mission to use rugby as a tool for empowerment and social progress, ensuring the safety and inclusion of all participants in the sport.
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