Raminai calls on board to lift rugby

RUGBY union has a great potential to be on another level than at present in Papua New Guinea compared with many other sports, according to an official.
Higher Education, Science, Research & Technology and Sports Minister Wesley Raminai is appealing to the new board of PNG Rugby Football Union (PNGRU) to take the sport to a higher level than where it is at present in the country.
He made these remarks when congratulating Paul Siwi on his election as the new president of the PNGRU.
Raminai said rugby union was a global sport played by more countries in the world compared with other football codes which used oval balls.
But in PNG it has struggled to establish itself in the higher echelons of ratings in comparison.
“The natural talent is there, the love for the sport is there, but sadly the administration has been lacking,” Raminai said.
He said the Government would like to support as best as possible within capacity but the appropriate programmes and initiatives on how to provide the best fit in providing relevant strong foundations was the responsibility of each national federation.
“The sport has a much bigger presence globally, it has a world body (World Rugby) and regional body (Oceania Rugby), that is mandated to grow the sport but the administration of the game in each country must be able to demonstrate that things are done in compliance with these organisations rules and regulations,” Raminai said.
“That is at the international level but as always we need to strengthen our systems, processes, structures, practices domestically before we venture into bigger dreams.”
Raminai said it was high time PNG rugby considered a national competition because that became an enabling factor to attracting sponsorship.