Rugby 7s

Among the notable selections is the return of Olympic gold medalist Vatemo Ravouvou, who is set to bring a wealth of experience and inspiration to the team. Also catching the spotlight is newcomer Joji Nasova, making his debut and adding a fresh dimension to the squad.

In addition to Ravouvou and Nasova, Manueli Maisamoa and Rubeni Kabu will be making a welcomed comeback after a hiatus from the last three legs of the series.

However, the squad announcement comes with notable omissions, including Filipo Bukayaro, Ropate Rere, and Napolioni Bolaca.

Managing only one win in the series to finish second last at the event, Voku sees some positive signs for the Pukpuks in terms of competing at the pinnacle of the rugby sevens.  

Reflecting on the games, Voku said, “The team (actually) did well by leading their opponents in most of the matches at the event but; failed to maintain the lead, which allowed the opponents to come back and defeat them in the second half.”

Voku pointed out on their matches against Uruguay and Hong Kong as an example.

After a convincing performance at the recent Oceania 7s Championships in Brisbane in November followed by their silver medal feat at the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands, the PNG Women’s 7s team has now set its sight on the HSBC World Challenger Series in Dubai, United  Arab Emirates next weekend.

The PNG Palais are beaming confident of competing well at the upcoming HSBC World Challenger Series in Dubai.

The team comprising 12 players, the coach and the team manager will overnight in Brisbane before continuing on to the UAE on Saturday.

After their convincing performances at the recent Oceania 7s Championships in Brisbane in November 2023, the PNG Men’s and women’s teams have regrouped and now set their sights on the HSBC World Challenger Series in Dubai,United  Arab Emirates next weekend.

While the PNG women’s team, Palais are scheduled to fly out tomorrow via Singapore, the Pukpuks left early today overnighting in Brisbane before continuing to Dubai.

The PNG 7s teams will be joining the rest of the PNG athletes with positive energies after qualifying for the Challengers Series.

The PNG Rugby Union President Paul Siwi said that team PNG got the baptism of fire in the Oceania Rugby 7s finals as they fell short to the top tier 7s teams. However, this does not mean PNG Rugby can deliver a medal for its country at the 17 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.

The Lae Consort Express Lines (CEL) and Kimbe STC Logistics managed to join the one-day event for the first time, which makes the 7s and touch tournament more interesting. This was just a glimpse of what to expect in the coming years.

Steamships General Manager Vele Rupa said the event is expected to bring in teams from provinces outside Port Moresby by 2024, because it will be Steamships’ 30^th year of tournament since its inception in 1994.

From Friday, August 4th to Saturday, August 5th, the venue roared with cheers as 16 teams competed under the resounding theme of "Promoting Autonomy Agenda through Sports".

The competition received a massive boost from its proud sponsor, the New Ireland Provincial Government, which provided an impressive K50,000 funding support.

Morobe Rugby Union is hoping to play two teams in the Super 7s Sries tournament and they are Hammerheads and its development Club, Tiger Sharks.

Hammerheads was recently awarded the National Performance of the year 2022, at the SP Sports Awards.

Despite this on field success, Morobe RU President Lionel Kamiak said many of its players have crossed over to Rugby League, leaving the club struggling. However, with the depth of talent in production line, there is enough to cover for the loss.

This award recognizes a team or an athlete who put up consistent performance throughout the year.

Morobe Hammerheads have been one of the best Rugby 7’s teams in the past few years now. But their performances last year in a couple of competitions were exceptional.

They appeared in National Provincial Championship finals, and were the back-to-back champions for the KPHL super 7’s series.

Formed in 2020 they have proved their worth to be in the competition. The team is proud to PNG Pukpuks’ Jackie Winas, selected to the national side following the Wewak 7s competition in 2021.

Dubbed as the “underdogs” in the Madang Rugby Fraternity, they have played exceptionally well in all their games with no losses in the quarter and semifinals. Taking on renowned teams in Madang including Kalibobo Gunners, 6B pirates and Divine Word University.

Ward 4 Councilor Bonny Simon and his wife Gilem are proud mentors of the team. Their sons are also on the team.