For years, women have been side-lined in sports administration, especially in rugby—a domain long dominated by men. However, local trailblazers like Francis Toa and Harriet Tuara are breaking barriers, proving that women can excel in leadership roles and transform the rugby landscape. Their stories serve as powerful examples of resilience, passion, and dedication in the face of challenges. Sports reporter Solomone Taukei profiles the pair.

Francis Toa: A Pioneer in Rugby League Leadership

Francis Toa, a 39-year-old Cook Islander, has spent two decades making her mark in rugby league and union. Married to local rugby stalwart Thomas Toa and a mother of two boys, Francis’s journey into rugby began in 2004.

At that time, she was pregnant with her eldest son, yet she was already involved in the Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles Club, cooking and fundraising to support the team alongside her husband.

Francis Toa. 24110406

Despite the physical demands of pregnancy, Francis was committed to contributing to the club, an early sign of her dedication to rugby and her community.

Over the years, Francis transitioned from a supporter role to various management and administrative positions in both rugby league and union. She attributes much of her early knowledge of the game to her husband, who taught her the intricacies of both sports. But it wasn’t just her husband’s influence that propelled her forward—Francis was driven by her own passion for the game.

In 2016, her rugby journey took a significant turn when she moved to her home club, Tupapa. Under the mentorship of key figures like Maru Willie, Tere Strickland, Darren Piri, and others, Francis’s growth in the sport accelerated.

 “When you work with visionaries who give you a chance to bring your ideas to life, you get empowered,” she reflects.

Her time at Tupapa was transformative, as she learned to navigate every aspect of sports management, from administration to player coordination.

Her biggest challenge came in 2021 when the Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) found itself without a General Secretary and a Competitions Coordinator. No one else stepped forward to fill these critical roles, so Francis volunteered to take on both positions—a first for the league. While the decision was difficult, she knew it was a necessary step in her leadership journey. With guidance from Taua Benioni and CIRL President Charles Carlson, Francis took on the dual responsibilities, navigating the complexities of league management with passion and determination.

However, her leadership was not without obstacles. Early in her CIRL tenure, an incident at a stadium saw a heated altercation between players and officials. Amid the chaos, a man from the crowd yelled at Francis to “go back to netball,” questioning her competence in rugby. The remark stung, but Francis did not let it define her. “I’ve been challenged, criticized, and intimidated by many, but I haven’t given up,” she says. Her resilience has been a key factor in her success, as each hurdle has made her stronger.

Francis is quick to point out that while rugby is a male-dominated sport, CIRL maintains a healthy balance of men and women in its leadership.

“We focus on getting the right people with the passion and skillsets to advance the association. Respect is earned through actions, not given,” she explains. Building relationships with stakeholders and fostering open communication are key strategies she uses to ensure the success of rugby in the Cook Islands.

One of her proudest achievements to date is the successful launch of the Cook Islands Origin Series. Despite starting with no funding, Francis and her team worked tirelessly to bring the series to life, and it has become a highlight of the rugby calendar.

“Building something from nothing is my greatest achievement,” she says proudly. With the support of sponsors and local coaches, the Origin Series has become a testament to Francis’s vision and leadership.

For young women aspiring to leadership roles in sports, Francis offers simple but powerful advice: “Grow a thick skin, control your emotions, understand the culture of the field, and find mentors. Criticism is part of growth, but always stay true to your mission.” Her journey stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and passion.

Harriet Tuara: Advocating for Inclusivity in Rugby

While Francis Toa has been a long time figure in rugby, Harriet Tuara’s leadership journey is more recent but equally impactful. After a serious knee injury cut her playing career short two years ago, Harriet was determined to stay involved in rugby, a sport that had given her so much in a short span of time. Rather than letting the injury end her connection with the game, Harriet found new ways to contribute.

Harriet Tuara. 24110407

Attending the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand was a major turning point for Harriet. Watching women compete at the highest level of the game inspired her to pursue a leadership role within the sport. Around the same time, she was invited to the Grassroots to Global leaders’ camp, where she met other female leaders from smaller rugby unions around the world.

These women were driving change in their communities, advocating for increased female participation in rugby, and their work deeply inspired Harriet. “Many of these women were my age or younger, and they were Presidents of their unions, match officials, and players,” she recalls. Their leadership motivated her to become an advocate for inclusivity and to work toward creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in rugby.

Like Francis, Harriet has faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field. There is often a perception that women are less knowledgeable about the sport or less capable of handling leadership responsibilities.

However, Harriet has proven herself time and again, not only through her understanding of the game but also through her ability to build relationships and manage teams. “These challenges have only strengthened my resolve to be a visible example of how diversity in leadership can benefit the sport,” she says.

For Harriet, rugby in the Cook Islands is more than just a game—it’s a platform for social inclusion and community building. She has played a key role in developing programs like “She’s a Ruckstar” and the Healthy Living Program, which is now taught in schools across the Southern Group islands.

These programs are designed to ensure that rugby remains accessible to all, regardless of gender or background. “Rugby doesn’t discriminate—it welcomes everyone,” Harriet emphasizes. Her work focuses on ensuring that pathways for both girls and boys in rugby are sustainable and visible, and she believes that rugby can be a powerful tool for youth development, teaching values like teamwork, respect, and perseverance.

Looking to the future, Harriet is optimistic about the growth of women’s rugby in the Cook Islands but acknowledges that there is still much work to be done.

“We’ve seen significant progress over the years, but there’s a long way to go in terms of recognition, funding, and resources,” she says. She advocates for grassroots development, getting girls involved in rugby at an early age, and investing in coaching and facilities specifically for women.

Harriet’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She is one of 25 recipients of the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Scholarship and one of only five selected from Oceania.

She is also working toward her Level 3 World Rugby Coaching Accreditation, the first for the Cook Islands. For young women and youth, Harriet’s message is clear: “There are so many opportunities within your reach. If you’re passionate, don’t hold back—there’s so much you can achieve.”

Through their hard work, resilience, and passion, Francis Toa and Harriet Tuara are proving that women have what it takes to lead in rugby, a sport traditionally dominated by men. Their stories are not just about personal success—they are about paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in the Cook Islands and beyond. With leaders like Francis and Harriet at the helm, the future of women’s rugby is brighter than ever.