Breaking Barriers in Pacific Rugby Governance: Fiji's Bitila Tawake Joins PRP Board

In a major achievement for Pacific rugby, Fijian rugby star Bitila Tawake has been named the first female player representative from Fiji on the board of the Pacific Rugby Players (PRP). This union represents professional rugby talent throughout the region.

The announcement shows a positive change toward involving women and improving representation in rugby governance in the Pacific, a region known for its love of the sport and its development of top players.

Tawake’s appointment is a shift from elite athlete to influential leader. As a two-time Super W champion with the Fijiana Drua in Australia’s top women’s competition, she also represented Fiji at the 2021 Rugby World Cup.

Her on-field career has long been marked by both performance and leadership. Tawake captained Fiji at the 2022 Oceania Championship, guiding the team through a strong campaign, which included a decisive win over Papua New Guinea and a solid performance against Tonga.

Beyond her achievements on the field, Tawake has become a respected advocate for player welfare, especially for Pacific Island athletes who often face challenges related to pay equality, working conditions, and acknowledgment.

While speaking to FBC News about her vision, she highlighted the importance of equality and ambition. She expressed her desire to use sport to change perceptions about women’s rugby and player welfare. 

“I want to create an equal playing field for women and men. I want to use sport as a vehicle to change mindsets about women’s rugby and player welfare” - Bitila Tawake

Her board appointment comes during a time of rapid growth in women’s rugby across the Pacific in participation, audience interest, and competitive success. Her presence at the leadership table is seen as a crucial step in making sure players’ voices are included in decision-making.

Tawake’s role on the PRP board places her among a select group of rugby leaders responsible for shaping the future of the sport in Pacific nations. Alongside her, Fijian Drua captain Frank Lomani also holds a position on the board, ensuring strong representation from Fiji in the organization’s governance. 

Rugby commentators and advocates have praised Tawake’s new leadership role as a sign of the game’s evolution. This shift increasingly values diverse perspectives, gender equality, and informed player advocacy.