Rugby lacking ability to retain players, officials

By BRADLEY MARIORI
PARTICIPATION numbers and the retention of players, coaches, match officials and administrators are low, according to Papua New Guinea Rugby Union administrator Ian Liveras.
He said they did not have enough qualified personnel, resulting in player safety and welfare being compromised.
“We need to conduct more courses, workshops and clinics to increase the knowledge and skills of our coaches, match officials, and administrators,” Liveras said during a meeting with Morobe and Lae Rugby Union officials over the weekend.
“Our junior club and elite competition pathways have been largely neglected in the last four years.
“The advent of the pandemic in 2020 and its continuation in 2021, has delayed the re-establishment of our competition pathways.
“Apart from our national women’s sevens team, the progress of our international sides have regressed over the last two to four years.
“This is largely due to the neglect of our domestic competition pathways combined with a lack of qualified coaching and management.”
He said it was important to maximise the safety and welfare of rugby union personnel, including players.
Liveras said their plan was to decentralise rugby union by establishing four regional hubs which were Port Moresby (Southern), Kokopo (New Guinea Islands), Lae (Mamose) and Goroka (Highlands).
“For rugby union to be sustained, the sport and organisation must remain relevant and resonate within the rugby fraternity and wider community,” he said.