Capital Rugby Union (CRU) and the Queensland Rugby Referees Association (QRRA) are currently developing a program tailored around capacity building for referees, building interest and maintaining the standard of rugby. The CRU and the QRRA have been working together for over 6 years and having just recently formalized their partnership this year. CRU President Mr. Kori Chan was proud to announce that the CRU has secured a first of its kind grant funding for a provincial union, all thanks to a funding program from Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT). While the standard of Rugby is reaching new heights, Mr. Chan told PNG HAUSBUNG that this week and the last couple of days have been really focused on the development of local referees, adding that it is a very critical part of the game and needs to level up. “The quality of rugby for me, seems to be improving across all grades. It’s a very critical part of the game that we need to get better.” Mr. Chan expressed delight in the quality of rugby here in the capital but is also keen on working to ensure that the match officiating aspect of the game be developed to match the standard showcased by the players. He mentioned that the only hurdle that they currently face would be that of securing trainers to facilitate clinics for local referees regularly, and he hopes this partnership can be able to alleviate this. “On top of that, we’re going to be developing pathways for referees with Queensland to see if we can get them down to far North Queensland or Southeast Queensland to be involved in some of their competitions down there.” He said this will be good exposure not just for players, but for match officials as well. Meanwhile, Mr. Chan is happy with the standard of rugby displayed at the Bava Park, stating that it will be a very close contest for all teams leading up into the finals.