Recently I traveled out to Mama Sayang Orphanage at Jonggol south of Jakarta to present some new Rugby balls to the girls at the orphanage. Indonesian Rugby has had a long association with the Mama Sayang Orphange through the Priscilla Hall Memorial Foundation (PHMF).

There are currently 17 young girls and young ladies aged from 15-18 years old who are very keen to learn more about the Game and will very soon be coached by representatives from Indonesian Rugby under the guidance of David Nye and Tito Vau.

It is hoped that some of these young ladies have the opportunity to one day represent Indonesia in international 7’s events held throughout SE Asia on an annual basis. Indonesian Rugby recognises the importance of developing Rugby not only for males but also for the fairer sex as this is part of the Union’s obligation if it wishes to one day become a Full Member Nation of the International Rugby Board (IRB). Indonesia has been an Associate Member of the IRB since May 2008.

Persatuan Rugby Union Indonesia (PRUI) is also currently lobbying Komite Olahraga Nasional Indonesia (KONI) to have Rugby included as a Member Sport so that the Game can be included in the national curriculum for Indonesian Schools. Acceptance of Rugby by KONI as a National Sport will allow PRUI to start developing more young Indonesian boys and girls as Rugby players of the future.

Rugby 7’s is today seen as a growth opportunity for Rugby throughout the World now that it has been included as an Olympic Sport at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. This form of Rugby is the perfect marketing tool for the Game in a country like Indonesia, given that it is a fast, dynamic game that requires less understanding of the Laws of the Game as opposed to the traditional 15-a-side version of the Game.

Those interested in sponsoring the Mama Sayang’s ladies or Women’s Rugby in Indonesia please contact – prui_sponsor_and_marketing@hotmail.co.id