Papua New Guinea Rugby Union Must Clear Debt for World Rugby Reinstatement

Papua New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) faces a clear path back to World Rugby membership, but it hinges on settling a significant, long-standing debt and resolving internal governance problems. Oceania Rugby, the regional governing body, confirmed that PNGRU is working with them and World Rugby on a structured plan for reinstatement.

The suspension occurred in September 2024 due to PNGRU's failure to meet its tournament obligations and its non-compliance with governance and financial regulations. Following the suspension, Oceania Rugby initiated an independent inquiry and established a judicial panel to scrutinize PNGRU's financial and governance status.

Oceania Rugby general manager Frank Puletua emphasized that the responsibility now lies with PNGRU. "We've been in regular contact with PNGRU and World Rugby throughout this process," Puletua stated. "There's a roadmap agreed by all parties, and we want to see PNGRU back in good standing as soon as they meet what's required of [it]." Reinstatement is contingent upon PNGRU clearing its debt and adhering to the governance conditions outlined in the agreed-upon roadmap.

Puletua also addressed recent comments by PNGRU's acting president, Vincent Karawa, which he described as misleading. Karawa had suggested that PNGRU had fulfilled all demands, but expressed frustration over a lack of communication from Oceania Rugby. Puletua clarified that World Rugby joined Oceania Rugby in November 2025 to support the development of an in-country solution, and that PNGRU has been an active participant in the process, having signed off on the current roadmap. Since its expulsion, PNG has been unable to compete internationally, raising local concerns about players potentially switching to rugby league, especially with increased funding for that code.

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We've been in regular contact with PNGRU and World Rugby throughout this process. There's a roadmap agreed by all parties, and we want to see PNGRU back in good standing as soon as they meet what's required of [it].