Rugby union boss clears air on WRU body

RUGBY PNG boss Richard Sapias put to rest questions regarding the Women’s Rugby Union under Cybelle Druma.
“WRU is an independent body that is not recognised by PNGRFU,” Sapias said.
“In all countries, there is one ruling rugby body and no team can represent the country unless sanctioned by the ruling union, in this case the PNGRFU,” he added.
Sapias was answering questions regarding WRU and their relationship with the union.
PNGRFU also announced a women’s committee that would work with the current executives.
The committee consist representatives from four clubs that have cut ties with the WRU are Sallyanne Mokis (Defence), Alice Dolla (Wanderers), Esther Nombri (Brothers) and two from the University club which include Lydia Korikai and Christine Wanmar.
In announcing the committee, Sapias told those present that it was about giving women, ownership of their game through the main body.
He strongly stated that PNGRFU was not gender based and rejected claims otherwise.
The committee will have a representative on the PNGRFU executive board, with the task of getting women’s rugby issues to the board, for assistance if there was a need.
“There are a number of exciting plans in the pipeline for the development of women’s rugby, to which the executive of the PNGRFU see as an integral part of its development programmes for this year and and beyond,” Sapias said.
He returned from a trip to the International Rugby Board (IRB) headquarters in Dublin, Ireland in November last year, and had met with representatives of the main body, as well as the International Women’s Rugby representatives.
“There are opportunities for women’s rugby in the year on the international calendar, and it is only proper that these foundations are in place before we move forward.”
A major international event on the women’s calendar is the Pacific Sevens challenge.
The event will  coincide with the men’s tournament.