Papua New Guinea Sevens team in action in 2020. (file image) Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Papua New Guinea Rugby Union's (PNGRU) suspension from all regional and international events has been extended for another six months.
The PNGRU's membership was suspended in September last year due to non-compliance with several orders by World Rugby.
It meant the country's national teams will not be able to participate in any regional or international competitions sanctioned by Oceania Rugby, World Rugby, and the PNG National Olympic Committee.
In response to questions from RNZ Pacific, Oceania Rugby said that it has an independent committee that is reviewing PNGRU's operations and management.
The committee has sent a final request to the union's president Paul Siwi, asking for outstanding documentation related to the organisation's activities.
This final notice follows an almost year-long engagement between Oceania Rugby and PNGRU.
The independent panel is reviewing PNGRU's operational policies and financial statements in order to aid Oceania Rugby in making its final determination.
The independent panel is comprised of John Kirkup from New Zealand Rugby, Karo Maha-Lelai, a former chairperson of the Athletes Commission for the Association of National Olympic Committees and current member of the Ethics Committee of Federation International Basketball Associations, Anare Manulevu from KPMG Fiji, and newly elected board member of the Fiji Rugby Peter Kerr OAM, who is also the Oceania Member of the Independent Ethics Commission of the Association of National Olympic Committees.
Oceania Rugby general manager Frank Puletua said that, while the decision to extend PNGRU's suspension is disappointing, it is important that the independent panel be afforded every opportunity to complete a fair review, given the importance of re-establishing rugby in Papua New Guinea.
"PNG is a very important member of the Oceania Rugby family, and it is our intent to see this proud Union assume its rightful place amongst its fellow members," Puletua said.
"However, it is the role of the Regional Association to look into matters that cast a negative light on rugby in Oceania with serious claims that have the potential to bring the game into disrepute.
"The role of the independent panel is to thoroughly review the documentation and information relating to PNGRU with respect to its operations, governance, and financial activities.
"The panel members have been tasked with objectively assessing the data and information in order to support the Oceania Rugby Executive Board in making a final determination regarding the PNGRU."
Oceania Rugby said it was alerted in June last year about allegations made by provincial members of apparent misconduct by the PNGRU board.
The allegations relate to claims of mismanagement by board representatives and not fulfilling constitutional obligations to members.
The allegations made against the governing body coincided with the women's national team missing the first round of the 2024 Oceania Rugby Women's XVs Championships in Brisbane, and the non-attendance of both the men's and women's national sevens teams at the Olympic qualifiers in Monaco.
Oceania Rugby said that, following several requests by Oceania Rugby management for PNGRU cooperation in facilitating an audit of its activities, the non-adherence to these initial orders issued last July resulted in the suspension of the Union's membership from both the regional body and World Rugby.
The PNG National Olympic Committee subsequently suspended the Unions membership after its internal review of the events leading into the non-attendance in Monaco.
PNGRU hits back
Siwi, meanwhile, has slammed the latest move, claiming PNGRU has been victimised by Oceania Rugby chief Puletua and his "clicks" in PNG.
He told The National newspaper that there were people behind the scenes who wanted him to resign and for the suspension to continue this year.
"It seems that some top guns in PNG and their friends are talking to the Oceania Rugby chief executive to make sure PNG Rugby is suspended for the entire year.
"Typical rugby complaints over time, just changing the approach. People who have been around the rugby circles but think they can do better this time around.
"Oceania Rugby has not supported PNG Rugby since Frank came into office. It seems Oceania Rugby is adamant that I, Paul Siwi, as president must be removed."
Siwi told the newspaper he had volunteered to help PNGRU and would quit if needed.
"That's ok, we can call it quits. We took time out to volunteer in this game. Our time is up, and it's time to let it go."
He said he wants to complete the audit of the 2023-24 financial reports, see the set-up of the Highlands Highway semi-professional competition, before calling an annual general meeting where he plans to step down.
