Orchids get K1.8mil

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE national women’s rugby league team have received a boost ahead of the end-of-year World Cup in England, thanks to a K1.8 million sponsorship from oil and gas producer Santos.
Santos PNG country chairman Leon Buskens said yesterday that the company would be the naming right sponsor of the Orchids following the merger between Santos and Oil Search.
“Thank you to the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League and our Santos team for working behind the scenes to make this happen,” he said.
“It has been a tough journey in the last two years with the Coronavirus affecting businesses, but we have continued to stick with the Orchids as their major sponsor.
“In 2017, we were the inaugural naming rights sponsor as Oil Search, but it will now change to the Santos PNG Orchids following the merger between Santos and Oil Search. Santos will continue the proud legacy of supporting rugby league especially the national women’s team.
“Santos and the Orchids share the same values which are to build a better future and leave a positive legacy.
“The sponsorship is an important part of our commitment to our country especially to women and girls who make up about 50 per cent of our population.
“Although the Orchids were only formed in 2017, they have left their mark at the international level by defeating England in 2019.
“They are now ranked fourth in the world which is incredible.
“Skipper Elsie Albert came through the Orchids and is now playing in Australia’s National Rugby League Women’s competition with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
“We will continue to support our women to excel in rugby league and become better people.”
The chief executive of the sport’s national governing body, Stanley Hondina thanked Santos for the support.
He said women’s rugby league was making an impact in communities across the country.