Papua New Guinea Women’s Rugby League (PNGRFL) naming rights of sponsor Santos celebrated 70 years of operation and announced its continued support through a 3-year multimillion-kina sponsorship signing to the PNG Orchids on Friday at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
The event was attended by the Santos Country Chair PNG Mr. Leon Buskens, PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Mr. Stanley Hondina and PNG Orchids Chairlady Celestine Ove.
The sponsorship by Santos will focus on junior and school rugby league development coaching and staff, technical, travel and accommodation including international fixtures for the Orchids leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
Mr. Buskens on behalf of Santos acknowledged the sponsorship as a partnership and is proud to work with the Women game in PNG to empower women, in line with its values in building a better future.
Furthermore, Buskens emphasized the purpose behind the partnership to deliver positive outcomes for a better world, with the PNG Orchids as a platform for young women and girls to realise their full potential to grow to be better individuals and citizens.
“Our sponsorship looks beyond the jersey, it’s about advocating for all women and girls in our family, our communities and country through our national sports.”
Starting with their sponsorship in 2017 under Oil Search, Santos has been a leader in the elite women’s rugby league in PNG.
This year Santos became the naming rights sponsor to the first national women’s game.
PNGRFL CEO Mr. Hondina expressed gratitude to Santos’ Board, Management, and staff for their ongoing support of women’s rugby in PNG, emphasizing that partners like Santos help improve the game and enhance PNGRFL programs.
Celebrating 70 years in 2024, this highlights the long-term investment in Papua New Guinea, marked by strong partnerships with communities, local employment, healthcare, disaster relief, sustainable agriculture, infrastructure, and literacy programs, alongside empowerment initiatives for women, youth, and landowners.