Visa backs PNG Kumuls for a three-year partnership

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced yesterday (2nd September 2025) at the Santos National Football Stadium Club Lounge in Port Moresby about their three-year platinum partnership with Visa, a world leader in digital payments.

The global digital payment company will sponsor the National Men’s Rugby League team, the PNG LNG Kumuls, with the partnership to run from 2025 to 2028. 

This partnership signals a powerful endorsement for rugby league, inspiring growth from grassroots to elite levels, and showcasing PNG’s passion for the sport to the world. It further elevates the country’s global profile, demonstrating PNG’s appeal as a destination for world-class investments and partnerships.

PNGRFL Chairman, Sandis Tsaka, was delighted to welcome Visa on board as a platinum partner of the Kumuls and rugby league in PNG when speaking at the announcement of the partnership.  

“For the first time in PNG’s sports history, rugby league has partnered with a global brand from outside of the country, and Visa’s sponsorship of the PNG LNG Kumuls is a testament to the growth of the game from grass roots level through to entry into the National Rugby League in 2028,” Tsaka emphasized.  

“On behalf of the PNGRFL Board and the PNG LNG Kumuls, I want to thank Visa for their commitment to the game in this country, and we look forward to representing the brand values of Visa, which strongly align with our own. 

“Rugby league is more than just a sport in PNG. It is a way of life, a path to a better future, a social cohesion tool to address other national issues, a platform to bring our people together, and most importantly, an opportunity to ensure that rugby league and education go hand-in-hand. All these ensure that we are true to our vision of Better People, Better Sport, Better Nation. We are delighted that Visa will join us on that journey.”

PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, echoed the sentiments shared by Chairman Tsaka, stating: “We want to thank Visa for coming on board to partner with us by sponsoring the PNG LNG Kumuls for three years. For Visa to come and partner with us and invest in rugby league is a testament to the game.”

Visa Country Manager for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Anthony Watson, expressed the company’s willingness to partner with PNGRFL, particularly with the Kumuls, to support the national team in its international tour or matches.  

“Visa’s sponsorship of the PNG Kumuls is more than a partnership; it’s a commitment to Papua New Guinea’s future. Rugby league unites communities across the country, and we’re proud to stand with the Kumuls as they inspire pride and progress,” Watson said.  

“With mobile technology rising and a bold national vision for digital inclusion, PNG is poised for transformation, and Visa is here to help unlock that potential through the power of digital payments.” 

The famous Visa logo will be placed on the right sleeve and shorts of the Kumuls Jersey, including the training uniforms.  

The PNGRFL welcomed Visa to the PNG LNG Kumuls campaign ahead of the Pacific Bowl  Championships and the Rugby League World Cup in 2026, which will be hosted in Australia and PNG, respectively.