​Digicel Renews K6 Million Sponsorship Deal for PNG Kumuls and Orchids

PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina

Digicel PNG has reaffirmed its commitment to rugby league in Papua New Guinea by announcing a renewed sponsorship worth K6 million for the national men’s and women’s teams, the PNG Kumuls and PNG Orchids. The partnership will span three years from 2025 to 2027 and support both teams as they prepare for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

The announcement was jointly made by Digicel PNG and the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), emphasizing the company’s ongoing role in promoting both elite and grassroots rugby league in the country. The funding will be evenly split, with K3 million allocated to each team, marking a significant step in gender-equitable investment in PNG sports.

Digicel PNG Chief Executive Officer Tarik Boudiaf stated that equal support for the Kumuls and Orchids reflects the company’s belief in fairness and equal opportunity for athletes. He described the renewed sponsorship not just as a continuation, but as a progressive move to empower both male and female athletes with the same resources and recognition.

PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina welcomed the support, saying the deal ensures the national teams remain well-prepared for international competitions. He acknowledged Digicel’s long-standing contribution to rugby league and praised the new agreement as a continuation of a platinum-level partnership that reinforces PNG’s standing in the global rugby league arena.

Chairlady of the Santos PNG Orchids, Celestine Ove, expressed her gratitude, highlighting that such support was once lacking in women’s rugby. She noted the transformative impact of Digicel’s investment in helping build strong development pathways and providing elite players with the tools to compete globally. The sponsorship has been widely applauded within the rugby league community as a milestone for sporting equality and national pride.

Also read

• SP PNG Hunters Dominate Brisbane Tigers In Impressive Hostplus Cup Victory