National rugby coaches barred from speaking to the media

By MICHAEL PHILIP
THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Union has placed an embargo on national team coaches speaking to the media for team updates.
This is in light of recent negative publicity the union received after withdrawing the Pukpuks and Palais from competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic qualifier in Monaco, France, earlier this month.
Pukpuks interim coach John Larry told The National yesterday that he could not comment on any plans the team had going forward.
“I am sorry; I can’t respond to your questions. I need the approval from the chief executive officer of Papua New Guinea Rugby Union Sailosi Druma and his president Paul Siwi,” Larry told The National.
“We will have to wait for PNGRU to sit down and address the media. I will not disclose any information (regarding the team).
“I can’t say anything until PNGRU gives (me) the green light, thank you.”
A Pukpuks squad member told The National yesterday that both team camps closed over the weekend and players were expected to travel back to their provinces this week.
“Yesterday, was the first departure, the Lae boys travelled back. What’s sad is the boys will travel without good allowances. They (PNGRU) were supposed to back pay us but it didn’t happen.
“We were given K600 while the girls gets K500, and I don’t think this is enough for us. This is a national team. They must not use us to get money.”
The Lae boys that departed yesterday were; Nashon Benjamin, Shaun Ongapa, Emmanuel Zoriry, Himson Tukar, Richard Kwalam and Travis Maguna.
Druma confirmed with The National that six players left camp and they would return in September to prepare for the Oceania Championships.
“Yes the Lae players have departed yesterday morning,” Druma confirmed.
“For the Rabaul and Kimbe players, they will depart on July 3, which is next Wednesday. This is due to flight downgrade at Tokua Airport in East New Britain.
“In regards to allowances, yes we did give them their travelling allowances.”