The New Ireland Provincial Government (NIPG) in a collaborative partnership has signed a three-year funding deal to boost the code in the province.
The agreement was jointly signed last Friday, June 6, 2005 between NIPG, New Ireland Rugby Union (NIRU) and Capital Rugby Union (CRU) to develop rugby union in New Ireland.
In the signed MoU, the NIPG will provide a total funding of K450,000 to NIRU over a three-year period with disbursement schedule of K150,000 per year.
An initial allocation of K150,000 for 2025 has already been deposited into NIRU BSP account to start the work.
The partnership will also focus on leveraging the strengths and resources of each party to enhance sports infrastructure, talent development, and community engagement.
The initiatives that align with the shared objectives of sports development and regional advancement.
New Ireland Governor Walter D Schnaubelt who signed the MoU together with acting Provincial Administrator Apelis Benson, NIRU President Charlie Melachon and CRU President Kori Chan said he values sports as a tool for personal development and growth.
“As a product of sports, I have competed in world stage representing New Ireland and Papua,” Chan said.
Moreover, Schnaubelt added that he believes in sports to improve young people.
“I agree that sports can go a long way in developing and harnessing our young talents to be competitive in any sport they are engaged in,” Schnaubelt said.
Moreover, as the step forward they also announce that there will be annual rugby 7s and 9s district origin games for a prize money of K100,000.
Schnaubelt further, extend his invitation to other sporting bodies in the province to approach his office to seek assistance.
