PNGRU adopts constitution after meet

Sports

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) has adopted a new constitution following successful Annual and Special General Meetings held in Port Moresby last Saturday.
The adoption of the new constitution is a significant step on the road of progress for the game of rugby in Papua New Guinea.
Oceania Rugby general manager Bruce Cook has made no secret about the country’s potential in the region.
Paul Jonson, a consultant engaged by Oceania Rugby to help in the governance process, clarified during a workshop in December that the intention was not to change too many things from the existing constitution but rather to “modernise” the PNG Rugby Football Union to be compatible with the changes that had been adopted by most World Rugby members.
The workshop, attended by provincial union representatives and other stakeholders, began work on the document which eventuated with a draft constitution.
The draft constitution was later circulated among the stakeholders for their review before it was tabled at this month’s special general meeting in Port Moresby.
The annual general meeting was held before the special general meeting during which the interim board was re-elected to hold office.
All interim board members — Syd Yates (chairman), Ben Frame (president, Robert Nilkare (vice-president), Nathan Chang (treasurer) and Michael Uiari (secretary) — were elected as the interim board of governors of PNG Rugby Union.
They held those positions following a court order, which was complied with by the staging of the AGM on March 9.
Following adoption of the new constitution, all intending members need to affiliate to become members.
A special committee has been established to assist intending members with their paperwork to affiliate to PNGRU.
Oceania Rugby governance consultant Paul Johnson will oversee the committee.
Under the new constitution following its adoption by the provincial unions, there are several categories of members — full membership that has voting rights, and associate unions and affiliated members, each with a voice but not votes.