Capital Rugby Union

Cassious will be travelling to Dalby, Queensland, next Monday 18 March 2024.

His playing achievements, following in the footsteps of his father Kopi Marai and uncle George Oki and buoyed by the support received from his mother, Martha Pitpit.

The Crusaders haven't won a grand final match since joining the competition, but this afternoon they set history for the club after defeating favourites Harlequins.  

The 23-10 victory over Harlequins in the A Grade division was a dream come true for Crusaders.

The Crusaders started their match trailing behind the high flying Harlequins who fielded the best team to win the final.

The match looked certain to be over with the early lead by the Credit Corporation Harlequins who had three teams secured the Grand Final Bert. 

Ned Carrick will referee the Premier Grade match between Kramer Ausenco Brothers and defending premiers Credit Corporation Harlequin. Jess Craig takes charge of the Women’s clash between reigning premiers Harlequins and Juggernauts.

Carrick is no stranger to the country having been here for work with the Port Moresby General Hospital and PNG Sustainable Development Program.

He said coming to PNG as a rugby referee is a first time thing and he expects to meet some familiar faces at the NFS on game day.

First game for tomorrow starts at 10:00 AM when Krammer Ausenco Brothers takes on MBB Marlines in the Under 23 divisions.  Following this match will be an A Grade contest between the same two teams to open A Grade games.  

High flying Nova will go up against struggling Wanderers in the second A grade match.  The premier division matches follow after this A Grade games. Premier matches start at 2:20 pm. All these matches will be played on field one.

The announcement was made yesterday evening following a successful clinic program held at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

Genia’s appointment is a step towards building the code of rugby union in the country. Capital Rugby Union will benefit greatly from this but even more so, it is a welcome contribution for Will who made the name for himself in the code.

The Valley Hunters have had some better times in the past seasons but has struggle a little bit this year giver the departure of its handy players.

Head coach, Max Katal said he doesn’t blame anyone for it neither urging them to come back to club but it is what it is in football. Players want to experience different environment and it is perfectly fine for the club.

The competition’s heavyweights will face each other for the first time this season at the Bava Park. The sides had a couple of encounters last season but all was in favour of Brothers and Crusaders are out to make amends.

This season, Crusaders have been performing very well in the opening three rounds and will put up stiff challenge against their opponents.

Brothers head coach, Joe Kautu praised the resurgence of the Crusaders and their performance this year, saying Brothers cannot take them lightly.

The partnership was made official in a mock-cheque presentation in Port Moresby.

The sponsorship aims to promote teamwork and healthy and active lifestyles through sport and Stop & Shop brand.

CPL Group CEO Navin Raju said: “For any sport to do well in the nation you need to have strong foundations and what we’ve found is that CRU has got very strong foundation in terms of the committee, in terms of the people that are involved in running this program and also in terms of the strategy they have in developing our talent.

Though missing most of their stars from last year’s grand final winning team, Harlies fielding a second string side proved too strong for the Hunters girls throughout the contest.

A dominant performance by the defending Queens, Harlequins in the opening round of preseason has set a good platform for the team as they kick start their campaign to defend the title this season.

Harlies recent success story is driven by a strong family oriented team culture. Their free flowing game and flare has become a trademark which is rubbing off on the new girls in the team.

After a gruelling and competitive selection process, CRU Head coach, Frank Gabi and Assistant
Coach is Jack Maraha have now named their final team.

They are: