PNGRFL denies rumours of Stanley Tepend resigning as PNG Kumuls Coach

 RUMOURS about a possibility of Stanley Tepend being stood down as Kumuls head coach in order to concentrate on the SP Hunters are untrue, a Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) official says.

There were speculations last week that an international coach would take up the role of head coach for the men’s national team but the sport’s governing body in the country denied the claims.

The National enquired through PNGRFL chief executive Stanley Hondina yesterday and his response was; “It’s not true, we haven’t decided yet”.

Tepend took over the Kumuls job from former coach and current East New Britain Governor Micheal Marum at the beginning of last year.

Marum was in that role for six years which he contributed immensely by improving PNG’s world rankings from one of their lowest position ever at No.14 up to fifth in the world.

Tepend, who is the head coach of the Hunters in the Queensland Cup, impressed immediately when he took over the reins which saw the Kumuls dominated the Fiji Batis in Pacific Test winning 24-14 in Sydney in June last year.

The former Lae Tigers coach was responsible for the Kumuls’ world cup campaign in the United Kingdom, losing to England in the quarterfinal.

The Kumuls won two out three group matches with their only loss against Tonga

The upcoming international tests will see PNG face Fiji and Cook Islands in a tri nations series.

The National / Rugby Insights

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