The CRU conducted its Annual General Meeting last Friday, 16 February 2024.
In compliance with the constitution of the CRU, the election of office-bearers was also conducted at the AGM; in which all clubs unanimously supported the incumbent Executive, who were re-elected into office for a term of 3 years.
The CRU Executive re-elected were Kori Chan – President, John Nilkare Jnr – Vice President, Ernie Gangloff –Treasurer and Mary John – Secretary.
In his opening remarks, of the President’s Report, Mr. Chan thanked the support received from his fellow Executives and affiliate clubs. He said that when his Executive assumed office in 2018, the CRU was, as it had always been, the premier Provincial Union in PNG. He acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, Jacob Anga, who had led the association through a tumultuous period in PNG’s rugby history, and through much effort, kept the fire burning in affiliate clubs. Clubs that have been the foundation for rugby in Port Moresby and PNG.
“We had to make changes in how the game was being administered in the CRU and set standards and goals that would push our boundaries and elevate our ambitions to lofty heights.”
He thanked the support of platinum sponsors, Pepsi and Moni Plus, and the support received from other sponsors. He said that without their support, the successful delivery of season 2023 culminating in hosting the Grand Final at the Santos NFS would not have been possible; and that their support also enabled the CRU to conduct Junior and Senior Coaching Clinics for Players and coaches which were facilitated by Rugby icons like Will Genia (Patron and Ambassador), Matt Giteau, Paddy Ryan, Aidan Toua (Ambassador) and the CRU Technical Team.
In addition, through the support received from Pacific AusSports, a referee clinic and a referee exchange were also conducted in 2023. The clinic was facilitated by Callum Roberts of the Queensland Rugby Referees Association (QRRA); and the QRRA seconded Ned Carrick and Jess Craig to officiate in the Premier Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals respectively. The Referee Exchange Program dates back to 2018, involving QRRA Referees officiating in the Premier Grade Grand Final matches.
Mr Chan announced a milestone for women’s rugby in the NCD and PNG per the support of Niu Power for the CRU Women’s Competition (CRUW). Mr Chan advised that Niu Power will be the Platinum Sponsor of the CRU Women’s Competition, the first of its kind for women’s rugby at the community level. This sponsorship would include the competitions own venue, uniforms supplied for all women's teams as well as match officials and livestream of matches.
The look ahead for CRU was to build on the success of the 2023 season with an emphasis on quality rugby, to build a unique identity for CRU Women's Rugby and to focus on junior rugby development across the nation’s capital.
The AGM was attended to by CEO of PNG Rugby Union – Sailosi Druma who was pleased with the progress that CRU had made over the years and excited by their vision and plan to grow and develop the game in the nation’s capital. He finished by thanking the CRU for inviting him to the AGM and that it was an important step forward for provincial unions demonstrating for good governance in the game.
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