Jonah Kautu Academy Concludes Season 2

The Jonah Kautu Academy (JKA) ended its 2025 program on a high note after hosting the Grand Final matches in various divisions on Saturday, 29th November 2025, at Port Moresby’s Bava Park. 

Following the grand final games, small prizes were awarded to the winners and runners-up in their respective divisions, with the kids walking away happily and capping off the year on a successful note. 

Established last year, the academy has grown from strength to strength, garnering support and gaining traction with an overwhelming interest shown by aspiring rugby union players, let alone rugby league prospects. 

Jonah Kautu, a former PNG Pukpuk representative and Kramer APAC Rugby Union Club senior player, started the academy, intending to mentor and pass his vast rugby knowledge and skills to emerging talents.

The academy runs basic rugby union skills training for the kids from ages 7 to 16. Around 60 kids registered at the academy last year, and the number of kids has increased to over 100 this year, indicating a steady climb in registration. 

Not only does the academy teach rugby skills to the rising talents, but it also creates a pathway for the established players. From 2024-2025, 12 players have secured placement in Australia through the academy, who are also working and playing at the same time. 

Kautu stated that the academy prides itself on two pillars: short-term and long-term goals. The academy’s short-term goal focuses on the kids, while the long-term goal is to create pathways for these budding talents, including any promising rugby players, to pursue their careers abroad.  

Interestingly, the Jonah Kautu Academy created a partnership with Lae’s Scrum Academy recently. The two academies plan to work collaboratively to grow their programs in Lae and Port Moresby, respectively. 

The veteran campaigner revealed that they are planning to host a two-day festival between the two academies in Port Moresby. This friendly event is scheduled to take place during the first or second week of January 2026.    

In addition, the PNG Pukpuk legend expressed satisfaction with the progress of the academy this year, including last year, but admitted that there’s still more work to be done to elevate the academy's standard. 

Mr. Kautu sincerely thanked the parents of JKA for their unwavering support over the last two years, whose strong backing allowed the academy to run smoothly. He and his team look forward to delivering a bigger and better program next year.