National teams reflect state of rugby: Liveras

THE performances of the national rugby union teams in competitions abroad is a direct indication of the how the game is progressing in the country, says an official.
Papua New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) development manager Ian Liveras said the national teams were a reflection of PNGRU and how rugby was being developed in the country.
“For our national teams to qualify for the sevens, 15s Rugby World Cups, the World Sevens Series, and the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, PNGRU and its provincial affiliates must work alongside each other to lift the standard of the game nationally,” he said.
“The theory is simple, the performances of our national teams will improve when each level of the game is developed accordingly.
“For this to occur, PNGRU must be aligned from the top down and bottom up, with each level supporting the level above and complementing the level below.
“Lifting the standard of rugby equates to maximising the safety and welfare of all who participate in the game.
“As such, there must be a concerted effort to ensure that good governance and best practice is applied in all levels of rugby union.
“To achieve this, the approach must be deliberate and precise.
“PNGRU must develop and implement a strategic plan that resonates with provincial unions and provides opportunities for stakeholders to support rugby union.”
Liveras said there was a need for PNGRU to develop a strategic plan that would identify the gaps and weaknesses in the game and set the direction for rugby union via a vision and mission statement.
“Establish goals and objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.
“Determine the organisational structure for the union that will enable the right outcomes to be achieved.”