PNG Kumuls #120 Philip Boge has passed on

It is with great sadness that Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League received news of the death of Kumul #120 Philip Boge at the age of 55, he passed on at home in Hanuabada village on Tuesday.

Born Philip Dou Boge on August 19th 1966 at the Port Moresby General Hospital, he was the younger brother of the late pioneer Kumul #20 Dikana “Ten Gun” Boge.

PNG Kumuls #120 Philip Boge has passed on 

Late Philip “Boogey” Boge idolized his elder brother Dikana and made the cut to don the Kumuls’ jersey playing at fullback and centre, and he went on to captain the side in 1994.

Boge debuted for the Kumuls in 1990 and has represented the country in 13 matches.

Late Philip Boge was from Poreporena Hanuabada Village, the 14th born out of 15 children to Boge Nao and Hane Igo.

He completed his grades 1 to 6 at Hagara Community School then went on to Poreporena Ahutuna High School.

He played for the Hanuabada Hawks Rugby League Club in the Junior League and followed through playing for the club in the Premier League in the Port Moresby Rugby League Competition.

Tributes are being shared all across the country by his former teammates and fans, upon hearing the news on Tuesday, former Kumuls Head Coach Michael Marum was shocked and sympathetic.

“It’s a sad day for PNG Rugby League…he was my brother playing together for the Vipers and the Kumuls…I’m sorry…,” Marum said.

Former Kumul teammate Dr James Naipao in his tribute on social media said, “My captain Boge, we have been teammates at Vipers, Southern Zone, President XIII to the Kumuls and brothers ever since. I still remember few triads of you as a player and teammate -talented, no doubt, made fullback and center too easy and gifted for you, last to complete strapping, last to finish a meal, great last line defender. And, full of humor and shares a few jokes too. I still remember the three finger joke.” 

PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka expressed sincere condolences on behalf of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League to late Boge’s family as he was one of the greatest players ever produced by the country, as well as a former PNGRFL staff where he worked as a Game Development Officer and an administrator, giving back to his beloved sport.

Chairman Sandis said that the PNGRFL will pay respect to the late Kumul legend, as well as the PNG LNG Kumuls during the Pacific Test this Saturday.

All Digicel Cup matches around the country this Saturday and Sunday will observe a minute’s silence in memory of the late Kumul.

Late Philip Boge is survived by his three sons Boge Philip Boge, Dikana Boge and Philip Boge Junior, and his daughter Gaudi Boge.

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