Australian programme to boost rugby in PNG, Nauru

THE new phase of the Australian Government’s sport for development programme, Team Up, launched in the Pacific this week, is a massive boost for the rapidly emerging rugby union nations of Nauru and Papua New Guinea.
Working to transform lives through sport, Team Up programmes are delivered in partnership with sporting and non-sporting organisations.
Oceania Rugby, Rugby Australia and Team Up have partnered with Nauru Rugby Union, PNG Rugby Union (PNGRU) and the PNG Deaf Association to design and introduce programmes that use the sport as a vehicle for driving participation and inclusion of girls and women, and the deaf community in all aspects of rugby.
PNGRU’s inclusion impact programme, delivered through a partnership between PNGRU, PNG Deaf Association, Rugby Australia, Oceania Rugby and Team Up, also focuses on the inclusion and empowerment of women and girls, it is also the only Team Up initiative with a focus on those who are hard of hearing or deaf.
PNGRU chairman Syd Yates acknowledged the work of all partners in the development of this programme.
“It is exciting to be able to work so closely with PNG Deaf Association, Rugby Australia, Oceania Rugby and Team Up,” he said.
“At PNGRU, we understand the importance of everyone in our game and want to ensure we are providing the best environment for everyone to succeed in a safe and positive way.”
Rugby union will be supported through Team Up for sport for development programmes in Fiji, Nauru, PNG and Samoa.