The Samoa Rugby Union is celebrating Women in rugby for the whole month of September, kicking off with a workshop on Wednesday.

Part of the effort is to get more women not just to play rugby but also as officials on the field.

Toala Tui Komiti of the SRU said includes programmes under the Rugby Development Division that includes workshops on Wednesday, a Career Day on Thursday and a Kids & Open Women's rugby festival.

The Samoa Women Development in rugby has been doing community outreach programme in schools, churches, and villages.

Some Unions in Samoa have used female match officials to officiate men's games.

These unions include the Aana rugby union, Faleata rugby union and others.

"The Aana Union is one of the many unions that has allowed females to go onto the field and officiate men's games," said Toluiva Keneti.  

"It is another stepping stone for our union. And we are also the only union that has more females match officials and linesmen. We hope to develop and encourage more women to take up match officials as a career path."

There are many females who have started.

Phillipa Poufa Eletise Savea is in her second year of being an official.  During a recent interview with the Observer sports, she spoke about the challenges.

She officiated matches during the Vodafone Samoa National Sevens Series at the Apia Park.