Governing body steps up efforts to bring code to provinces

PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) has stepped up its efforts to bring the game to the provinces following the successful hosting of the inaugural Get into Rugby (GIR) festival at Hula village in Central on Friday. The festival saw the participation of 12 schools along the Rigo Coast with tag rugby matches played by elementary, primary and high school students.
PNGRU administrator Ian Liveras said the festival targeted students with the goal of identifying and developing the next generation of rugby players.
“It’s fantastic to have this kind of programme for our kids, it takes about 10 years for players to develop for rugby,” he said.
“So if we can get kids involved at this age, it will contribute to raising the standard of the game in the country.”