KPHL PNGRU Super 7s Series

Hammerheads however failed to defend the cup for the 3rd time and had to settle for 3rd place (Bronze).

Meanwhile CRU Boromas of Port Moresby finished off their series campaign on a high after defeating 3rd time Cup Runners-Up the West New Britain Kimbe Rebels 17-12, to take out 3rd and last Cup Series Grand final yesterday. 

In the preceding Cup Semi-Final playoff, Rebels knocked out favourites Hammerheads in extra time for the right to meet Boromas in the Cup grand final but again fell short.

The team is coached by PNG Para athlete Elias Larry who said most of the boys have the potential to excel and play at a higher level, but were never given the chance to showcase themselves at the national level, until now.

Larry said the team boasts a number of players from CRU and the NCDRU competitions.

Larry said they had 4 months to prepare for the tournament which included a number of trial matches between the boys from Kerema and Port Moresby to finalize their 17 men squad.  Ten of the boys are from the village which is a good experience for them.

The Mendi Mustang Rugby 7s team presenting Southern Highlands and currently in Port Moresby for the KPHL Super 7s Series have been encouraged to take up 7s rugby seriously with an abundant of good talents with natural speed, skill, agility and strength that suits the dynamics of  7s rugby.

After their first pool game last week team captain Rod Luke said it’s a whole new experience for his boys.

Both teams fielded a lot of promising youngsters in their line ups but lack the experience.

For first timers Alotau Kedewas picking up the first win in such a mega 7s tournament was unreal and good for their confidence as the Super7s series move forward.

The team is made of hidden rugby 7s talents from within the Alotau town area and coming to play on a big stage like the Sir Hubert Murray stadium is a great experience and a big boost for their confidence.

Four-hundred and fifty players and 90 officials from 18 provincial teams from the NGI, Momase, Highlands and Southern Regions are currently taking part in the one month long tournament.

The 2022 Super7s series is PNGRU’s most extensive and inclusive program ever on its rugby consolidated calendar which will be followed by a number of major international events to be hosted in Port Moresby at the back end of the year.

With Kumul Petroleum Holdings as naming rights sponsor, the KPH Super 7s Series is the launching pad that will run over 4 consecutive weekends.