Premier rugby union competition eyeing eventful 2025 season

Captains from the various CRU clubs posing for a group picture during the season launch last night at Port Moresby Yacht Club. *(Image: Two4 Media PNG)*

The Capital Rugby Union is set for an exciting 2025 season following its launch last night.

CRU president Kori Chan said the premier competition in the country is poised to deliver another outstanding season with the inclusion of new development programs and events planned in the calendar.

Chan assured stakeholders that despite the current tensions within the rugby community, CRU remains committed to excellence.

"We will continue to deliver at the highest standard," he said during the competition's launch event held at the Yacht Club in Port Moresby, which was attended by sponsors, players, and representatives from various clubs.

Amongst the biggest events slated in this year’s roster include the fierce rivalry between CRU Boromas and the Morobe Hammerheads, where capital rugby will host a home-and-away series with matches scheduled in both Port Moresby and Lae.

The annual event was revived last year with Boromas claiming the inaugural Vodafone Challenge Cup at the Santos National Football Stadium.

"This is the only way to build and strengthen our ties," Chan said of the game between the two provincial unions.

CRU president Kori Chan speaking during the launch. *(Image: Two4 Media PNG)*

CRU’s successful rise has been deeply enrooted on strong leadership and governance both in managing the competition and its robust financial administration.

President Chan told sponsors that funds pumped to CRU would be parked it their KPMG trust account, ensuring accountability and transparency in financial matters.

“We want to ensure the money that you put is delivered according to its intended purpose,” he said.

One of the highlights of this year's competition is the introduction of a new analysis camera system aimed at improving broadcasting quality.

"Every game will be captured and documented for players and coaches to analyze," Chan explained, emphasizing that this initiative would help teams evaluate their performances and drive improvement on a weekly basis.

"This technology will also benefit match officials and the judiciary, enabling them to enforce rules that align with modern standards of the game," he added.

The official rugby season is slated to kick off on April 5, featuring an exciting schedule of 18 rounds of action.

Additionally, the CRU aims to maintain the CRUW competition as a standalone initiative. Chan extended his gratitude to major sponsors, including Pacific Industry under its Pepsi brand, Moni-Plus, Vodafone, and Niupower, for their support of the women's competition, as well as to all minor sponsors.