PNG Rugby Union not keeping up with bills

Source: Post Courier
Author: Simon Keslep

PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) has been put in the spotlight again.

This time for owing a locally owned professional health company a staggering K41,000 for a period of two years.

Initially, the outstanding money owed was at K56,000 by PNGRU to the company (name withheld).

It was agreed upon that part-payments K15,000 for four months be made last year October (K15,000), November (K15,000), December (K15,000) and January (K15,000).

The only payment made was the K15,000 (October) and after that no payment was made by PNGRU to this health company despite numerous correspondence being made between both parties.

Some of the services being provided by the said company include screening, massage, training and gym coverage, physiotherapy assessment and treatment of injuries, taping, game coverage amongst others, that is usually being done for the national rugby union sevens (men's 15s, men's and women's 7s) teams at World Rugby sanctioned tournaments overseas.

This health service provider emerged from humble beginnings within the rugby union fraternity in Port Moresby before being engaged by PNGRU and is attached with the respective national teams.

Attending international tournaments like the HSBC 7s, Pacific Games and even clocking in hours of work was not compensated.

PNGRU chief executive officer, Sailosi Druma, when approached by the Post-Courier to provide comments on the outstanding payments said they (PNGRU) operate like any other sporting organisation that depend on corporate sponsorships.

He said they are not a money-making organisation but still manage to settle their debts whenever they receive financial assistance from corporate sponsors.

With regards to other service providers attached with PNGRU, Druma said it is the same process whereby all outstanding debt is being paid off once funding is available. He said PNGRU value the service and relationship with the health provider and will ensure their (PNGRU) outstanding payments are paid.

Meanwhile, with the skyrocketing increase in the price of goods and services, the said health professional who is also a role model SME for women and a single mother needs to be compensated for what is rightfully hers through the services being provided to better prepare the national rugby union representative teams.