Union on way to resolving rift: Frame

AN end to the dispute surrounding the presidency of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union that impacted the code over the past year may be in sight.
World Rugby-recognised PNGRFU president Ben Frame, pictured, told the media that the mediation process between his group and one led by the late Steven Kami, which began last November had come to a resolution.
“We had a mediation in early December, where the late Steven Kami and a representative from his group were in attendance,” Frame said.
“In the outcome of the mediation both parties agreed that an interim board consisting of myself and Mr Kami with other members, was agreed upon to move rugby forward.
“Unfortunately Steven passed away before any of the agreements could be legally concluded.
“So we are in the process of arranging another first plaintiff, who can sign off on all the legal documents.”
Frame could not go into detail as the process was still before the courts.
“But he did express his optimism that the current disputes would soon be resolved for the betterment of the code and all its stake holders in the country.
“This will allow us to merge into the PNGRFU board that both parties agreed upon. With the goal of getting rugby moving forward once again.
“For the past 12 months the code has been in a state of inertia, and we have to get our union members on board and compliant, resolving any grievances.”
Frame said the immediate concern was preparing the national teams — the Pukpuks and Palais — for upcoming international tournaments.