The naming rights sponsor of PNG Orchids, Santos PNG has come on board to continue its sponsorship with the women's national team following a partnership agreement signing with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) on Friday, October 25th, 2024, at PNG National Rugby League Competition Head Office in Port Moresby.
Santos has been the naming rights sponsor for the Orchids since the women's inception in 2017. After a three-year deal lapsed this year, Santos has renewed its partnership with the Orchids for another three years, without revealing the amount of the sponsorship.
The sponsorship package covers junior development, school rugby league programs, international fixtures - such as the current Pacific Championships - technical and coaching support staff, and other expenses leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
Santos PNG Country Manager, Leon Buskens expressed that Santos was happy to continue its partnership and sponsorship deal with the PNG Orchids for the next three years and touched on the inaugural Santos Women’s competition, which started this year.
“We have a long history with the game. This is a three-year extension of sponsorship with the PNG Orchids. On behalf of Santos, we are pleased to continue this partnership with the Orchids and see the growth of the game in the country,” Buskens said.
“We saw this year the historic Santos Domestic Cup. You look at other countries, they've had their women’s competitions for a number of years - Australia for example. We are starting this year and believe that we will get there.”
PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina echoed similar remarks made by Mr. Buskens, urging everyone to get behind the Orchids, while appreciating Santos for the continued partnership.
“On behalf of PNGRFL, I would like to thank Santos for this wonderful partnership that we’ve enjoyed in the last ten or so plus years. Santos has been a good partner with the women’s game, our women’s game is synonymous with Santos,” Hondina stated.
“Santos has recently partnered and sponsored the first-ever Santos Women’s Cup this year. When we started, people thought rugby league was a male-dominated sport but after this sort of partnership, we were able to change the people’s mindset and the respect for women has taken place in our communities.”
Commentaires