Live stream: Cancer diagnosis sparks pink ladies into action at Pacific Youth Rugby Festival 2023

From sports trainers to crowd control and everything in between, this weekend’s huge tournament in Brisbane is being run entirely by women. Catch the action LIVE on KommunityTV from Friday.

The third edition of the Pacific Youth Rugby Festival kicks off at Albany Creek on Friday - and this year promises to be bigger and better thanks to the work of Kristin Dunn and her ladies in pink.

The tournament has grown from 450 players in 2021 to 1150 this year, and for the first time will feature an U18 girls division, along with the first Tongan team to compete (U10s).

FIND OUT HOW TO WATCH THE PACIFIC YOUTH RUGBY FESTIVAL

And you can catch all 150 games LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV over three days from Friday. Watch the action from four fields, starting at 8.50am on Friday and 8am on Saturday and Sunday.

Check out the LIVE STREAM schedule below.

This year, the event is run entirely by women, from sports trainers to crowd control and everything in between.

They’re known as the pink ladies, and it’s hard to not miss why.

In 2022, there were six pink ladies involved, now there are 15.

Marie Vivlios, Kristy Clark, Emma Hill, Kristin Dunn, Polly Thornton, Jonene Richards and Kahli Milner. Picture Glenn Hampson

PYRF organiser Kristin Dunn.

The idea to link with the Breast Cancer Foundation, and to raise awareness, came after Dunn’s sister received a stage four diagnosis last year.

“The staff are all female this year and that’s something I’m really proud of in a male dominated area.”

Every pink lady has completed training with Queensland Rugby Union in crowd control, rugby administration, match management, level one sports training, coaching roles and more.

“It’s all about upskilling within the community,” she said.

“It really is limitless.”

THE FESTIVAL 

There is no doubting the growth of the event, which engages both boys and girls in age groups ranging from U10 to U18.

“Each year we expand and each year it elevates to a whole new level,” Dunn said.

“That is where the blood, sweat and tears go … perfecting and reviewing every year to keep creating this platform for everyone.”

While there are countless 7s tournaments run through the year, this event offers players the opportunity to play the traditional 15-a-side format outside of their club season.

“We’re also extremely passionate about giving female players the opportunity to participate, as well as officials.

“It’s our first year with the U18 girls, which is really exciting,” she said.

Pink power ... ‘It’s something I’m proud of in a male dominated area.’

“We’re proud and the demand is there, not only in this state, but nationally.”

The demand for more teams and more age groups flows through Dunn’s inbox every year, with the excitement of the event gathering more and more attention as it rolls around.

THE CULTURE 

The festival serves as an opportunity for players to represent their culture and heritage.

“It is extremely rewarding at the opening ceremony to capture the emotion of kids and their families who are able to share their culture,” Dunn said.

“And to see them run on the field in their jerseys with pride.”

At the opening ceremony, each nation will perform their national anthem, dance or haka.

“It is all part of their campaign lead up,” she said.

“So much emotion is captivated because of the passion.”