PNG Rugby Football Union

The school was visited by Karo Vui who is the person responsible for the program in the Rigo Coast area.

Vui donated start-up kits for students including six rugby balls, cones, shirts and tags, made possible with funding from AusAid. The gears were used for the start-up of training.

Activities on the day also included classroom theory and practical field activities on the rules of rugby union 7 aside for grades 7 and 8.

The PNG side was defeated all throughout the tournament against Samoa 35-7, Wales 29-7, Argentina 41-14, Kenya 47-5 and England 40-0.

PNGRFU interim chief executive officer Paul Joseph said PNGRFU didn’t have any high expectations of the team.

“Obviously we knew they were in a very tough pool and their preparation, as we all wanted, didn’t come as planned.”

Joseph highlighted that their main focus for the team and the coaching staff is to prepare for the Hong Kong 7s tournament from April 7-9, which is the qualifier for the World Series.

The Government continues to help but does not interfere with the administration, management or the running of the game, explained Tkatchenko.

He explained that what was done to get rugby league back on track will be done for union as well.

Tkatchenko supports and will push for PNG Rugby Football Union management and administration to get the sport back on its feet for the benefit of everyone, without fear or favour.

President of PNG Rugby Football Union, Steven Kami, said with the newly-furnished Park being given to PNGRFU, the Board has seen this as a great opportunity for PNG to host the Oceania qualifying tournament next year.

“One of our aims going forward in PNG rugby is to try and host the Oceania qualifying tournament in August to qualify for the Sevens World Cup in Los Angelos next year,” Kami said.

12 Capital Rugby Union clubs including four invitational sides will participate in the three days tournament from December 9-11.

Teams invited include AROB Black Orchids, Lae Hammerheads, Madang Madgauns and Kimbe Rebels that make up the 16 men's teams with eight women's teams registered to participate.

The tournament will be officially launched at 12pm before kick off by widow of the former All Blacks, Nadene Lomu.

The tournament commemorates the first anniversary of Jonah’s passing.

Sapias announced his resignation in a media statement over the weekend. He was the president of the PNGRFU for 7 years.

Sapias, who was elevated to the position of Oceania Rugby president in April of this year, said the new role required him to step down. Sapias was also appointed onto a regional committee for world rugby.

“It has been a tough road since I took up the role and I think it is time for someone new with fresh ideas and will put rugby ahead of personal interests.