Digicel PNG has once again reaffirmed its commitment to support PNG’s national rugby league teams, the PNG Kumuls (men’s) and the PNG Orchids (women’s) for the next three years from 2025 to 2027. Tarik Boudiaf, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digicel PNG said, Digicel PNG has long been a passionate supporter of Rugby League in the region. For over 12 years, the company has backed the sport at all levels from grassroots tournaments to the prestigious Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup. Digicel PNG values its ongoing partnership with the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), working together to drive development and excellence in the sport. “We are proud to stand behind our national teams—the PNG Kumuls and PNG Orchids. These sponsorships are more than a business decision; it’s an investment in empowerment, growth, and opportunity. We believe in supporting athletes who can inspire communities, pave the way for emerging talent, and raise the PNG flag across nations.” “This is not just a renewal sponsorship, it’s a new big step. We are providing an equal sponsorship to both teams because we believe in equal opportunity, equal exposer and equal support for all support athletes, regardless of gender,” said Boudiaf. Digicel PNG’s Senior Vice President Lorna McPherson said they have renewed their sponsorship of K6million for both teams. Each team is said to equally benefit K1million each for a year, for the next three (3) years. “One million a year for the next three years. So, the Kumuls and the Orchids will get equal because we want to make sure that men and women are equal, because that’s what it’s about and also, driving the women’s competition as well.” She said being sponsors of the national rugby teams is very important because as the leading telecommunications and mobile financial services provider, they believe in connecting people and bridging the gap where needed. She added that, rugby league is not just a game in PNG, but a symbol of unity where people come together and also creating that pathway for opportunities for Papua New Guineans across the country. “Just like our network that reaches the most remote parts of the country, our support for rugby league is about ensuring that nobody is left behind. From the highlands to islands, we are committed to covering all of PNG not just with connectivity but with opportunities, inspiration and hope.” This equal sponsorship will help to ensure that the women’s team has access to the same high-quality training facilities and increased visibility, helping to elevate the women’s game and inspire future generations of female athletes. Meanwhile, PNG Rugby Football League CEO Stanley Hondina acknowledged Digicel PNG for the support throughout the 15 years sponsorship. He said, among other corporate support sponsors that they get, Digicel has been and is still a big partner in their game. “They are the biggest investor, and they have support for rugby league from the grassroots level and up. There are schools and leagues and affiliates across the country which Digicel supports. Digicel is a proud partner and platinum sponsor of that partnership that we did for the first three years, and it came to an end last year and this is a new one.” He added that this sponsorship is special because it will take the teams into the world cup next year. Santos PNG Orchids Chairlady Celestine Ove said when the idea of a national women’s team came about, there was very limited support, with Santos-formally Oil Search, was the only primary financial partner for the team, but with a giant in the telecommunications industry invest in the women’s game since 2022 has been a boost to help, support and prepare the national women’s team for international games. “It gives me such great joy in seeing a giant in telecommunications company-Digicel, invest in the women’s game in the way it has since 2022 and more so, seeing equality been driven through the partnership and as they support both the PNG Kumuls and orchids. And their support not only supports the elite teams but the pathways as well.”