Capital Rugby Union looking forward to improve competition’s standard

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Capital Rugby Union is looking to improve its standard of competition this year with its executives in talks to form a referees association.
CRU president Kori Chan told The National that plans to start the association would help in managing referees and their work alongside Papua New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU).
“The association will be an independent referees association (RA) and is in the process of being formed,” he said.
“This is being led by Jack Kariko and David Kula and supported by PNGRU development officer Sailosi Druma. The RA will aim to manage the development of referees in Port Moresby and to act as the supply pool for referees to our local competitions.
“We are buoyed by this initiative and welcome the attention that is required in this area of our game.
“CRU will also be strengthening its reviews on players with our judiciary panel to be chaired by experienced World Rugby legal adviser Michael Goodwin who will continue his good work in adjudicating disciplinary issues in 2021,” the CRU president said.
Meanwhile, Chan said talks between the competition and its sponsor would continue with an announcement on the partnership expected soon. He said CRU was in discussions with Pacific Industries which has been the competition’s long-term partner and sponsor.
Chan said the expansion of the competition required the support of clubs and the competition administration to roll out matches in the junior and senior divisions this season.