2020 challenging year for rugby league in the world: Tsaka

THIS year’s Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation (APRLC) annual general meeting (AGM) focused on the strides made off the field after a frustrating 2020 saw almost all international matches cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Friday’s meeting, which took place virtually for the first time, was attended by APRLC members from the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea Rugby Football league chairman Sandis Tsaka and South American nations.
APRLC chairman Tsaka, acknowledged that 2020 had been “the most difficult and challenging year, not just for rugby league but all over the world”.
However, the enforced cancellation of the Oceania Cup had allowed the organisation to focus on improving various operational, administrative and financial processes, Tsaka confirmed, as he presented a report outlining key areas of progress over the past year.
Major areas of work included evolving the organisation’s strategic plan, streamlining operational rules, scoping and establishing partnerships, a new website and digital strategy, and supporting members with their annual audit requirements.
Tsaka also confirmed that the confederation would welcome two new members from Asia in the near future, with Philippines expected to join APRLC as an observer member, and Japan also close to finalising its membership application.
Another focus in 2020 has been women’s rugby league, with Tsaka revealing that APRLC is set to launch a women’s advisory council to shape activities and strategic growth. “Women’s rugby league is the fastest growing brand of our game in this region, bringing new relevance, visibility and market share,” he said.
“So it is only fitting that APRLC is extending its work at the regional level and in our national federations to create a concerted programme around the women’s game in the Pacific.”