By Dion Kombeng – EM TV Sports, Port Moresby
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union (PNGRFU) has made clear their plans on moving forward with the development of the code and the handling of business.
Part of the reforms included a solid judiciary body in place to represent the governing body of rugby union. They are in the process of creating a player representative council.
Recently, the PNGRFU was accused of mismanaging players and finances from corporate sponsorships.
In response to reports made on several media platforms, PNGRFU’s general manager, Frank Genia, stressed that the board’s preliminary role was to set the policies, directions and the budget, while management implements.
In a telephone interview, Genia dispelled any insinuations of a lack of transparency in the organisation’s dealings. PNGRFU have now commenced developing structures and systems in compliance to World Rugby (formerly known as IRB) requirements.
Commenting on comparisons between rugby league and rugby union, Genia said rugby league has many more well-developed players and programs they are looking at implementing.
With focus on development and further skilling of national players, Genia said he was prepared to bite the bullet and revisit similar programs with either the Australia or New Zealand rugby franchises.
With regards to the development of rugby union in the country, he confirmed that development pathways are in order and are progressing well.
At present, the rugby development programs include: the development of schools, rugby competitions in partnership with the education department, the expansion of rugby in rural communities and the growth of 15s and 7s rugby.
Further to the development programs, according to the PNGRFU, coaches at the national level must be supported by deliberate player development programs, such as the high performance training program conducted under the ACT Brumbies last year.
While both the Palais and PNG’sevens team are without a coach, the PNGRFU have confirmed that the announcement of a women’s and men’s sevens coach will be made in the next week.
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