Rugby League in the Pacific

# 🇦🇺 Rugby League in the Pacific Grant Program The Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has announced a significant grant program, "Rugby League in the Pacific," providing **$480 million** in funding over ten years, from 2024-25 to December 31, 2034. This initiative, part of a broader $600 million commitment, falls under the **Public Diplomacy** category (371004). The program's primary objective is to bolster rugby league in the Pacific, specifically supporting the entry of a **men's Papua New Guinea (PNG) team** into the **National Rugby League (NRL) competition** by no later than 2028. It also aims to facilitate a **women's PNG team's participation** in either the Queensland Women’s Premiership or New South Wales Women’s Premiership, with potential entry into the NRLW Premiership contingent on readiness assessment. ## 👥 Eligibility & Selection This is a **Closed Non-Competitive** grant opportunity. **Only invited organizations are eligible to apply.** The sole eligible and invited entities are: * **Australian Rugby League Commission Limited (ABN 94 003 107 293)** * **National Rugby League Limited (ABN 23 082 088 962)** No other organizations will be invited or considered eligible. Grant funding may be direct-paid to another entity if proposed by an eligible applicant. ## 📝 Application Details The program features three distinct grant opportunities: **NRL licence**, **PNG NRL Franchise**, and **Pacific Rugby League Strategy**. Eligible applicants may receive specific application forms and guidance from DFAT. Applications must address eligibility and assessment criteria, include all necessary attachments, and be submitted by any specified closing date. Multiple applications focusing on specific components of each opportunity are permitted, provided the total requested funding from the program does not exceed the **$480 million** cap. **Keywords:** Australia, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Pacific, Rugby League, NRL, NRLW, Sports Development, Diplomacy, International Relations, Grant Funding, Sporting Infrastructure, Women's Sport.