Rugby news 2024: Papua New Guinea kicked out of rugby following questionable board conduct

Just as plans come together for Papua New Guinea to enter the NRL in 2027, the country has been suspended from all rugby union competitions over major concerns over its governance.

Just as plans come together for Papua New Guinea to enter the NRL in 2027, the country has been booted from rugby union over governance issues.

PNG Rugby Union has been suspended from all men’s, women’s and sevens competitions due to “noncompliance” following a series of issues regarding the conduct of their board.

As the only country where rugby league is the national sport, PNG’s axing from world rugby is a major blow to the code in the Pacific region.

It’s the first time in 60 years PNG is not a member of Oceania Rugby, which oversees the game in the islands.

Oceania Rugby general manager, Frank Puletua, said: “As a result of noncompliance to the Notice of Orders issued by Oceania Rugby in July, the executive board have had to make the difficult decision today to suspend the membership of Papua New Guinea Rugby Union, effective immediately.

Papua New Guinea has been suspended from international rugby. Picture: AAP Image

“Whilst this decision is one that we do not take lightly, it has been determined with the interests of all stakeholders involved with PNG Rugby in mind.”

Puletua – the former NRL player who transitioned to administration and spent a decade working for league’s governing body before taking up his rugby role last year – added: “I am confident that PNG will be in a position to activate its true potential on the national and world rugby stage in the not-too-distant future, and the executive board remain committed to supporting PNG Rugby in its endeavours to being recognised as a full member of Oceania Rugby again.”

Papua New Guinea is the frontrunner to win the next expansion. Picture: NRL Photos

Oceania Rugby said the suspension was handed down “after months of dialogue between Oceania Rugby and PNG Rugby on concerns raised by numerous stakeholders, including provincial unions, regarding the conduct of the board and management.

“Consideration was also attributed to the failure of PNG Rugby to attend the first round of the Oceania Rugby women’s championships in Brisbane earlier this year, as well as the Olympic sevens repechage qualification tournament in June.

“The suspension entails loss of voting rights for the PNG Rugby Union and prevention from participation in Oceania Rugby competitions and development programs as well as deferral of funding.”

Originally published as Rugby news 2024: Papua New Guinea kicked out of rugby following questionable board conduct