‘All unions must be on same page’

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE future of rugby union and its place in the country will be influenced by the outcome of tomorrow’s Papua New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) annual general meeting in Port Moresby.
PNGRU national development officer Ian Liveras said the election of executives to the PNGRU board would play a big part in restoring the sport to its former glory while provincial unions are to play a larger role in the game.
“PNGRU must develop and implement a strategic plan that resonates with provincial unions and provides opportunities for stakeholders to support rugby union,” he said.
“It must develop a strategic plan that will identify the gaps and weaknesses in our game and improve on our strengths.
“They must set the direction for rugby union via a vision and mission statement, and establish goals and objectives that are specific, measurable and time-bound.”
Liveras said the board should be able to determine the organisational structure of rugby union and ensure stronger governance in the sport’s national governing body and provincial unions.
“This will only happen when PNGRU and provincial unions understand the direction that rugby union must take,” he said.
“They have to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities.
“They have to perform their tasks in an organised and transparent manner.”
Meanwhile, New Ireland Rugby Union and Capital Rugby Union have voiced their opinions on what the meeting should present for the code.
“We need to answer a lot of questions like what has transpired in PNG Rugby over the last 30 years and what needs to be done now,” New Ireland Rugby Union president Charlie Melachon said.