The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee has officially suspended the membership of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Union with immediate effect, following a board meeting held this month.
This decision comes as a response to significant administration, governance and compliance issues, including the recent suspension of PNGRU by Oceania Rugby.
The suspension has been enacted due to the PNGRU’s failure to address concerns highlighted in a show cause notice issued by PNGOC on July 15, 2024, relating to their withdrawal from the Monaco Olympic Qualifiers. The PNGOC did not receive a response by the requested deadline of July 22, 2024. Additionally, Oceania Rugby’s decision on September 5, 2024, to suspend PNGRU further underscored the non-compliance concerns.
As a result of this suspension, PNGRU loses its rights and privileges as a member of PNGOC, including voting rights, access to funding, and participation in Team PNG and PNGOC- sanctioned activities and multi-sport events.
To regain membership, PNGRU must resolve the compliance issues with Oceania Rugby and adhere to their directives, achieve reinstatement as a member of both Oceania Rugby and World Rugby, develop and submit an action plan addressing administrative and governance shortcomings and submit to the annual audit of compliance requirements for the years 2023 and 2024.
Emma Waiwai, OL, President of PNGOC, emphasized the importance of good governance and effective administration as vital components for sporting success. “The recurring administrative and governance failures within PNGRU represent a significant deviation from these principles. We urge the federation to take immediate corrective action to restore its reputation and trust with all stakeholders,” she stated.
PNGOC remains committed to supporting the development of sports in Papua New Guinea and calls on PNGRU to implement necessary reforms swiftly to secure their reinstatement with their world and regional body for the betterment of the code and its athletes.
