World Rugby Warns PNG Sports Minister Justin Tkatechenko

Papua New Guinea Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko has been issued a stern warning by World Rugby to refrain from interfering with Rugby matters in the country, NBC reports.

The warning comes after Tkatchenko verbally announced the election of Steven Kami as the interim president-elect for PNG Rugby Football Union during the official launching of the Jonah Lomah Legacy Cup late last year.

In a letter dated December 2016, World Rugby to asked Minister Tkatchenko not to show further involvement in governance matters of the PNG Rugby Football Union.

This warning also comes at a time when the PNGRFU remains in a dispute over its constitution and who to hold the head of the office in the country.

Under its bylaws, World Rugby has a zero-tolerance on political interference, with the consequence of suspending the countries representative teams from participating in regional and international tournaments.

The letter goes on to say further involvement by the Minister may jeopardise rugby's national teams participation in regional and international tournaments.

World Rugby is sending an observer from Oceania Rugby to attend a selected PNGRFU Annual General Meeting, to ensure all agendas are ironed out before a new president is elected.

Minister Tkatchenko's office confirmed with NBC News, they had received the letter and details of his response will be made public when World Rugby confirms receipt of the Minister's response.

NBC News/ PNG Today