From strangers to sisters: a Rugby commentary journey that gave us more than we knew we needed

Australia Broadcast Center

20-06-2025

Fiji's Taina Basiyalo was one of eight women selected for the recent Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP) – a partnership between Oceania Rugby and ABC International Development – held in conjunction with the Oceania Women's Rugby Union Championship in Sigatoka, Fiji.
Taina looks back on her time as part of the Oceania Rugby CAMP and reflects on the unexpected wins she and her fellow participants had.
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It all began with a deep desire, not just to witness a Rugby World Cup, but to feel the energy and spirit of it all.
I wanted to soak in the atmosphere and be part of something that holds so much meaning for women in sport.
In November last year, I reached out to ABC International Development's Sally Eeles to ask if the Women in News & Sport program had any plans ahead of the 2025 Women's World Cup, happening in England in August and September 2025.
Sally's response gave me exactly what I needed; a sense of reassurance and a spark of hope that this dream might become a reality.
A few months later, she shared news of the Rugby CAMP program, a special initiative developed in partnership withSheridan Graham-Tupaea, who leads Women's Rugby Projects for Oceania Rugby.
I knew it was something I had to be part of.
Out of more than 70 applicants, 20 women were selected to take part in four weeks of online training.
From that group, eight of us were chosen to move on to phase two, an in-person training held in Fiji over eight incredible days.
'A story, a skill, a perspective'
The full crew group of eight Pacific women in the Oceania Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP), Harriet Tuara, Manaini Bulu (Fiji), Kuini Vuli (Fiji), Taina Basiyalo (Fiji), Ebony Finau (Solomon Islands), Jamie Haro (Papua New Guinea), Gabrielle Apelu (Samoa), together with Sheridan Graham-Tupaea (Oceania Rugby), Sally Eeles (ABC International Development) and Rugby Commentator, Rikki Swannell. ( Aaron Kearney )
I remember that first morning so clearly. I was quiet and unsure after meeting the other women, not quite knowing what to expect thinking that this was 'just' another training.
But it didn't take long to realise it wasn't/It was something far more meaningful, something life changing.
I could see growth happening before my eyes, not just in me, but in each and every woman there.
Over those eight days, I learned so much not only from the speakers who shared their knowledge and experience, but from the participants too.
Each person brought something unique; a story, a skill, a perspective that enriched the entire journey.
Stepping into the world of commentary and having Aaron Kearney guide us was exactly what I needed. His approach was clear, engaging and easy to understand.
Then came another highlight: learning from the incredible Rikki Swannell, an internationally-renowned rugby commentator and champion of the women's game.
Hearing her story, her challenges and how she began reminded me that you don't have to be perfect to start and that all you need is good preparation ahead of game day.
It gave me hope and reaffirmed that passion and growth go hand in hand.
Another standout moment for me was learning from Kuini Vuli, one of Fiji's respected referees who now mentors others.
Gaining a referee's perspective added so much depth to our commentary training from understanding the field markings to interpreting hand signals and knowing what's coming next. It gave me a foundation I didn't even know I needed.
'A space where I could thrive and do what I love'
The group of eight Pacific women in the Oceania Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP) include, pictured here (L-R): Manaini Bulu (Fiji), Kuini Vuli (Fiji), Taina Basiyalo (Fiji),Ebony Finau (Solomon Islands), Sheridan Graham-Tupaea (Oceania Rugby), Jamie Haro (Papua New Guinea), Gabrielle Apelu (Samoa) and Noame Rabeni (Fiji Rugby Union). Not pictured here is Cook Islands' Harriet Tuara. ( Harriet Tuara )
For the longest time, even though I knew I had the voice, I struggled to put the right words together.
I used to feel like every sentence I said had to be a gold nugget, something Aaron once told me I didn't need to worry about.
This training helped me breathe.
It showed me that commentary doesn't have to be perfect — it just has to be authentic. I gained the tools to be better, more confident and more effective.
The entire experience reignited and deepened my love for rugby.
I felt a stronger connection to the sport than ever before.
It no longer felt like just work. It became my happy place.
A space where I could thrive and do what I love, especially when it came to creating content.
Those eight days flew by in the blink of an eye, but their impact will stay with me forever.
I came away more eager, more excited and more inspired to pursue commentary.
One of my biggest highlights was the content creation session with the amazing Arizona Leger.
I stepped onto the field with her advice fresh in my mind, created and shared my content and it took off.
It was picked up by ABC Pacific and Rugby Australia and received amazing feedback on Instagram and across social media.
Fiji's Taina Basiyalo (centre), receiving her Certificate marking her completition of the Oceania Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP), pictured with Sally Eeles (ABC International Developement) and Sheridan Graham-Tupaea (Oceania Rugby) ( Taina Basiyalo )
This journey has been truly transformative for me, especially as a woman working in sports media.
But what made it even more meaningful was the bond we formed as women who share the same passion.
We exchanged ideas, offered support, shared contacts and lifted each other up.
It wasn't just about improving our skills.
We built a sisterhood., a connection that goes beyond rugby, one that will last a lifetime.
Now, whenever we need updates from our island homes we know exactly who to call.