Rugby Union athlete Joanne Butler's hard work and determination has finally paid off as she received a scholarship placement and contract with the ACT Brumbies on the 14th of January 2024, at a small function attended by representatives from PacificAus Sports, the Australian Acting Commissioner, PNGRU Officals, Coaches and officials. In a media statement, PNG Rugby Union proudly extended its heartfelt congratulations to Joanne Butler on her achievement. The ACT Brumbies compete in Australia's Super W Rugby Competition and this placement marks a momentous milestone in Butler's rugby career and for PNGRU. "This achievement is a direct outcome of the PacificAus Sports program' support for rugby in the Pacific and PNG, a transformative partnership between the Australian government, Rugby Australia and Oceania Rugby." "Australia's PacificAus Sports program is designed to provide opportunities for athletes from the Pacific region to compete at the highest levels." PacificAus Sports has played a crucial role in bridging gaps and establishing pathways for aspiring rugby players across the Pacific and PNG. " Joanne's inclusion in the ACT Brumbies is a living testament to the positive outcomes of this cooperative initiative." The PNGRU extends its deepest thanks to the Australian Government, Rugby Australia and Oceania Rugby for this powerful partnership which is transforming lives and wishes Joanne the very best in her new endeavour with the ACT Brumbies. Scholarship recipient, Joanne Butler expressed her absolute gratitude by thanking PacificAus Sports, Rugby Australia and Oceania Rugby for providing a solid platform for women in the Pacific region to progress to elite rugby. "Glory to God Almighty for steering my life's journey and opening this incredible door for me.” “The recent news and the past few days have felt surreal, yet I approach this opportunity with deep humility as i join the ACT Brumbies on scholarship and begin the Super W journey." "My sincere hope is that this achievement inspires my fellow Papua New Guineans and Pacific Islanders to fearlessly pursue their aspirations." "I encourage women and girls to embrace rugby union because life changing opportunities for women in the sport, are growing." Butler extended a special gratitude note to PNGRU for reviving women's rugby and to the PNG Government for supporting the women's program. "I extend my thanks to everyone involved in my rugby journey, especially my father, whose passion for rugby inspired me to play." Australian Acting High Commissioner to PNG, Dr. Joanne Loundes stated that the Australian Government is thrilled that Joanne will have the opportunity to play with the ACT Brumbies for the 2024 season and join the other talented Pacific players that are now on Australian Super W Scholarships through Pacific Aus Sports. "We're excited to see a locally grown Papua New Guinean in the Super W and we acknowledge Joanne's hardwork and sacrifices to get to this elite level.” “We also recognize the contributions to Joanne's development from PNG Rugby Union, its coaches and the clubs." Dr. Loundes mentioned that the Australian Government is proud to be increasing pathways for aspiring female athletes in the Pacific who offer inspiration for women and girls across the region to persue their dreams. "We wish Joanne a best of luck to the season ahead." Founder of Women's Rugby in PNG and Women's Rugby, Cybel Wari stated that Joanne's signing holds significant meaning, representing the culmination of sacrifices, dedication and investments that have gone into Women's Rugby in PNG from its humble beginnings up to this point in time. "We are confident that she will make a substantial impact with the ACT Brumbies, serving as an inspiration for young rugby enthusiasts in Papua New Guinea and across Oceania." Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer of PNG Rugby Union, Sailosi Druma stated that it was an exhilarating moment to be a part of the Rugby Community in PNG. "This historic signing serves as the catalyst that will propel the growth of the game in PNG." "It is a game changer and we extend our heartfelt gratitude, particularly to PacificAus Sports, Rugby Australia, Oceania Rugby and the PNG Government and all others who played a role in bringing us to this pivotal point. "