Netball Australia is pleased to announce a national pathway squad will travel to Samoa this July. The squad will compete against Samoa’s Invitational Team as part of Netball’s Ocean of Power – proudly supported by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports.
The tour highlights Australia’s long-standing partnership with Pacific Netball Federations and has been aptly named Netball’s Ocean of Power Tour - Samoa.
Three matches will take place across four days from 17–20 July at the Tuanaimato Multipurpose Sports Complex in Apia, Samoa.
The tour will build on recent international experience within Australia’s high performance pathway programs, including the Rising Stars: 21/U Tour in Fiji and the Tala-Tutone Tour in Tonga, and provides a crucial preparation platform for athletes progressing through the pathway. These events, supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, helps strengthen regional ties through a shared love of sport, including netball.
Led by coaches Anita Keelan AM and Michelle Wilkins, the Australian pathway squad will feature emerging athletes from across the country, with the final team list to be announced in the coming months.
The Samoan invitational team will comprise of national and invitee athletes, providing a valuable international matchplay opportunity for both sides.
Beyond matchplay, teams will be immersed in Samoan culture, participating in a traditional ‘Ava Ceremony, running community clinics with local schools and clubs, and supporting the growth of netball in Samoa - showcasing the tour’s power to bring the two countries together.
Netball Australia Executive General Manager, Netball, Megan Simpson, highlighted the importance of the upcoming tour to support the next generation of elite netballers in Australia.
“This tour in Samoa will be a significant opportunity to nurture emerging Australian talent by providing competitive international exposure,” Simpson said.
“As with previous campaigns in the Pacific, this tour will continue to develop athletes as they gain valuable high-performance experience, while supporting the growth of netball in Samoa through broader community engagement and capacity-building initiatives.”
Netball Samoa CEO, Justine Samu, praised the initiative as a vital opportunity for both teams to come together and gain valuable playing experience while showcasing international netball to local crowds.
“We are excited to be hosting the Australian pathway team and welcome the return of international netball to Samoa after almost three years. This tour comes at a critical time as we prepare for the Oceania Qualifiers for the 2027 Netball World Cup,” she said.
“Beyond competition, the tour will provide valuable development opportunities for our local players and officials through targeted capacity‑building clinics.
“These experiences strengthen pathways, enhance performance standards, and support the continued growth of netball in Samoa.”
PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative which supports sporting excellence across the Pacific with a focus on strengthening international relationships through sport.
Interested in Netball Australia’s International Development work? See more here.
