Druma is PNG women’s rugby president

INCUMBENT Cybelle Druma was elected  president of the new Papua New Guinea Women Rugby Union Board recently in Port Moresby.
At its annual general meeting (AGM) on Dec 20 at Aviat Club, Druma retained her post while other members of the board are; Wayne Dorgan (vice president), Jennifer Tigilai (treasurer) and Josie Pitz (secretary).
Other members are Alex Haija and Kila Karara (players’ representative).
Alotau Rugby Football Union, NCD Women’s Rugby Union and Lae Women’s Rugby Union were present for the meeting, while West New Britain Rugby Football Union were unable to attend.
The new board comprise a wealth of experience in areas of administration, leadership and the game itself, to provide a powerful mix with the calibre, credibility and clout to take the game to new heights.
The inclusion of men on the board reflected the WRU’s principles of promoting equitable gender partnership in development of the women’s code and this shared role in the area of governance would ensure the fulfilment of goals over the next two years.
The meeting covered the 2007-2009 activities/programmes and milestones of the WRU.
It touched on the immediate and medium term plans focusing on programmes and support for union members, a new national tournament/competition pathway, rugby education, development of minimum standards, the PNG Raggianas and the 2010 calendar.
Moreover, the WRU is headed for exciting times, with the involvement of Dorgan, the managing director of Pacific MMI Ltd, as the incumbent vice president, who has a career spanning 35 years in management, and advisory capacity to a wide array of organisations, including multinational corporations and sporting bodies in Australia.
Dorgan’s skillset would bring considerable profit and balance to the board, and provide invaluable contribution to women’s rugby in PNG.
Mrs  Druma thanked all former executives and patrons of the WRU whose contributions had brought the code to its current state, as well as to the many partners and individuals who had stood firm behind the scenes to support the WRU.
She also thanked the incumbent board for “taking the call” and further indicated that with the mix of professionals and experience on the board, the future of the WRU and women’s rugby in PNG looked to be in good stead.