Both forged a formidable partnership three years ago and together made history to win PNG’s first ever gold medal in beach volleyball in front of a patriotic home crowd in 2015.
But alas, everything has an end.
Richard Kilarupa’s reign has finally come to a close, and playing partner Moha Mea says Kilarupa’s playing style and skill will be missed.
“Our partnership is more like a family relationship on and off the court.
“The reason being we lived together and became sort of family.
“Our partnership is one-of-a-kind.
“We don't usually talk but we know what we are capable of doing on the court,” Mea states.
“He (Kilarupa) was always quiet and sometimes I get mad as to why he can't talk but we all have our habits and ways to express ourselves.
“As a teammate, he is the best.
“We don't talk but we have this connection and instinct to read each other's games.
“As a person, he is a good fisherman who gives me fish when I visit him in Hula.
“All in all, his playing style and skills will be missed,” Mea reiterates.
Mea says he is now looking to build a partnership with young Rolley Forova to step up and take the role Kilarupa has left.
Beach volleyball will have a couple of events in Asia, one star world tour and a few in Australia to use as lead up preparations for the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa.