Highlighting their commitment to bolstering sports and communities nationwide, Vodafone PNG officially announced yesterday, Tuesday 11th June, its naming rights platinum sponsorship of K250, 000 of the Capital Rugby Union (CRU) 2024 season- as the Vodafone Champion Match between the traditional rival competition in Lae and Port Moresby respectively. Vodafone PNG Head of Marketing Ben George said the sponsorship encompasses both the male and female rep teams, live rep game broadcast, comprehensive analysis, player insights and behind the scenes content directly accessible from Vodafone’s social platforms. George said, “This partnership signifies Vodafone’s pivotal role in advancing the sport, from grassroots levels to premier competitions. By leveraging the power of global brand with cutting-edge technology, Vodafone pledges to elevate fan engagement through exclusive mobile content, ensuring enthusiast remain abreast of the game’s excitement in real-time.” Capital Rugby Union President, Mr. Kori Chan said this partnership not only represents Vodafone’s commitment to supporting grassroots game in Papua New Guinea, but also from a CRU perspective, it’s the importance about honouring and respecting the traditional pathway to earn the right to wear a certain jersey whether you’re a male or female. Mr. Chan said this pathway is very critical, particularly if they want to improve the national games or the national teams. “We are incredibly honoured to welcome Vodafone PNG as a naming rights sponsor for our CRU representative teams. Their support will significantly impact the development of rugby union in the nation’s capital and in PNG by helping us to rebuild and strengthen our traditional pathways toward national representation." This sponsorship by Vodafone PNG is vital for the growth and development of rugby in PNG. As the Naming Rights Sponsor, Vodafone PNG’s support is designed to help rebuild the traditional pathway toward becoming a PNG Pukpuk, Palai or Cassowary. Pepsi Moni Plus CRU carries on the tradition of the Boromas and Gaigais, historic representative teams of Port Moresby Rugby, now joined by NiuPower CRUW competition and the Hanenamos and Magias. "We look forward to the Vodafone PNG Challenge Cup as it will be a significant event for our teams," stated Chan. "It's an excellent opportunity to showcase the talent and hard work of our players." This sponsorship aims to restore the traditional pathway to becoming a PNG Pukpuk or Cassowary/Palai, which has been lost under previous and current administrations. The sponsorship will ensure fairer selection processes and stronger national teams, benefiting the entire rugby community. “This partnership will bring significant benefits to our players, coaches, sponsors and the broader rugby community, strengthening our efforts to develop future national representatives,” said Chan.