Rugby focuses on inclusivity

By ROBINSON LEKA
PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Union says it will continue to expand the game for women and hearing-impaired persons through its development programmes.
Union development manager Sailosi Druma said the Get into Rugby (GIR) programme was geared towards attracting women’s participation with the recent hosting of a festival for Motuan women.
“It’s all about getting more women to play rugby union and getting more hearing-impaired people to join the game,” he said.
“We need more numbers in this areas and it’s not just to teach them the game, but also pass on rugby union values like inclusivity, integrity, passion and solidarity.
“We’ve designed the programme to reach women in Motuan villages around Port Moresby and we’ll be expanding from there to other communities.
“Our deaf rugby programme is a separate initiative that we are pushing this year.
“Unfortunately, they won’t have a festival this year, but they will be taking part in the Greater Sepik Sevens tournament next week, so that’s one pathway for participants.”
Druma said GIR was a tool developed by World Rugby to help develop the game at the community level with his union partnering the Australian government to run clinics and coaching courses.
“The programme comes under the Australia Sports Partnership, so they’ve been behind it as sponsors through the Australian government which is managed by Team Up, led by Andrew Lepani,” he said.
“PNG, Samoa and Fiji and other Oceania countries are part of the programme, but each nation chooses its theme for their activities.
“The main thing for the programme in the country for us is inclusivity around women’s and deaf rugby.”