PNGRFL Unveils Santos Cup: Papua New Guinea's First National Women’s Rugby League Competition
Port Moresby, PNG – The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has announced the launch of the country’s inaugural National Women’s Rugby League Competition, named the Santos Cup. This significant development, revealed in partnership with Santos, PacificAus Sports, and Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited, marks a major milestone in the evolution of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
The Santos Cup will feature six teams competing over seven weeks, showcasing the top female rugby league talent in the nation. The competition promises to invigorate the sport, offering a platform to elevate female players and engage fans with high-quality matches.
PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Mr. Stanley Hondina hailed the announcement as a historic moment for the sport. “This is a proud and historic day for rugby league in our country. The Santos Cup presents a wonderful opportunity to highlight the skills of our female players within a high-performance setting,” Hondina said. He also emphasized the importance of inclusivity, noting that this new competition opens up pathways for more women to participate in the sport.
Hondina further acknowledged the crucial role of partners in making the Santos Cup possible. “Santos has been a long-time supporter of rugby league, and their commitment to women’s sport is evident in their new role as the naming rights sponsor of the Santos Cup. The support from PacificAus Sports for the growth of women’s rugby league is unwavering, and together, we are excited to use rugby league as a means to empower women and recognize their contributions to the sport.”
Santos Country Chair - PNG, Mr. Leon Buskens, expressed pride in Santos’ ongoing sponsorship of women’s rugby league. “Equal opportunity for women is a priority for us at Santos, and we are delighted to support the Santos Cup as a testament to our commitment to empowering women and girls. This competition offers a vital platform for our women and girls to pursue their dreams and demonstrate their strength and potential. The success of the Santos PNG Orchids, who came close to the Rugby League World Cup in 2022, underscores the need for this competition.”
The 2024 Santos Cup will feature teams from Central Dabaris, East New Britain Gurias, Goroka Lahanis, Lae Tigers, Mt. Hagen Eagles, and Port Moresby Vipers. The inaugural season will commence with a triple-header on August 3rd at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. Subsequent matches will take place in Goroka, Kokopo, Lae, and Minj, culminating in the grand final on September 15, 2024.
Also read
Post a Comment