PNGRFL LAUNCHES WOMEN’S 2025 SANTOS CUP SEASON

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has recently launched the official 2025 season of the Santos Cup; the country’s premier national women’s rugby league competition.

Now entering its second year, the Santos Cup will run across five rounds followed by two weeks of finals, culminating in the grand final on 14 September, held ahead of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup finale.

Each of the six participating franchises will play each other once before the top four progress into the final’s series.

The six teams competing in this year’s tournament include:

· Gas Resource Central Dabaris

· East New Britain Agmark Gurias

· Bintangor Goroka Lahanis

· Lae Snax Tigers

· Wamp NGA Mt. Hagen Eagles

· Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina emphasized that the launch of the 2025 season is more than just a calendar event. He said it reflects the organization’s dedication to building inclusive pathways in rugby league.

“Santos Cup highlights our continued efforts to maintain, strengthen and build pathways to allow an equal playing field, equal opportunities, and ensure rugby league competition is accessible for our girls and women.”

He also noted that televised matches in Port Moresby, courtesy of TV Wan, will offer visibility and motivation for aspiring female players participating at grassroots and affiliated levels across the country.

“This is more than a competition; Santos Cup represents a national outlet for our affiliated and grassroots female competitions that are present, growing, and breaking barriers at community and school levels across PNG.”

Highlighting the international progress of local talent, Mr. Hondina pointed to players like Elsie Albert, who now competes in the NRLW Telstra Premiership for the Parramatta Eels, and several PNG Orchids stars currently playing in Australian leagues.

“Santos Cup provides a platform, and it is our responsibility at PNGRFL to ensure these pathways are not only available but also visible to drive more participation.”

Additionally, matches for the 2025 Santos Cup will be played in Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Minj, and Goroka, reinforcing the competition’s national footprint.

The Santos Cup was first introduced in 2024 as part of PNGRFL’s long-term vision to develop the women’s game and align it with existing National Rugby League Competition pathways.