Santos has reaffirmed its commitment in backing and growing women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
Earlier today Santos announced its investment of K1.8million as sponsorship through the PNG Rugby Football League Inc. to support the PNG Orchids.
This also paves way for Santos to be the naming rights of the national women’s rugby league team as preparations begin for the World Cup in England this year.
Santos Country Chair, Leon Buskens made this announcement earlier today at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
There to witness was PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, home grown talent, Elsie Albert, PNG Orchids Management, media and other stakeholders.
Mr Buskens said Santos is proud to continue this legacy in supporting Papua New Guinea’s national sport and empower women and girls.
He said the move to support women in rugby league began in 2017 with Oil Search as the inaugural sponsor and naming rights and with its merger Santos now will continue this journey.
“Our values drive everything at Santos, and we are passionate about building a better future for communities in which we operate.
It is an important part for our women and girls in Papua New Guinea. We have a great pool of talent and one example is Elsie Albert,” said Buskens.
PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina thanked Santos for the continued partnership.
Hondina said women’s rugby league will not grow if there is no better support off the field.
“Santos is a key partner in developing rugby league in PNG communities. There is a big gap between men and women in league, but the last five years has been very encouraging. Our women’s team the PNG Orchids are now ranked 4th in the world.
It’s an achievement we want to push forward and Santos has created a pathway through its sponsorship,” said Hondina.
The PNGRFL CEO said rugby league is more than just a sport.
“It’s a tool of development and we want to support aspiring girls and women to develop the code in Papua New Guinea,” added Hondina.
Meanwhile selected women players from the Northern, Highlands, Southern and Islands Confederates are in Port Moresby for the Tri-Series this weekend.
The players will merge to Teams Black, Gold and Red and will play at the Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.
A team will then be selected for a trial match in Australia before the final PNG Orchids team is selected for the World Cup in England.
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